OTHELLO — The Othello Huskie boys basketball team hosted the Wapato Wolves Friday, Dec. 2 at Taggares Gym in Othello in a CWAC season opener.

The first half of play ended with the Wolves holding a 31-28 lead. “For the most part, it was a well-played, competitive game” head coach George Juarez said. “Since we were down 31-28 at the half, I emphasized execution of offense, shot selection and the need to be in position to help when Wapato would drive into the key.”

In the third period, Wapato pulled away, scoring two quick baskets at the end of the quarter and extending their lead to 53-41.

The Huskies defense was forced to play aggressive in the 4th, sending the Wolves to the line 20 times.

“We were never able to truly make a run,” Juarez said. “I suspect that if there had not been such a discrepancy in the free throws we might have been able to prevail.”

Wapato made 50 trips to the free throw line, hitting 26. The Huskies went 5-for-9 from the foul line.

Othello made 24 of 56 shots from the field and were led by Kyler Villarreal’s 11 points.

Junior Jonathan Garza and senior Adrian Garza each had nine points. J. Garza added four assists.

Seniors Diego Buenrostro added eight points, while Trenton Culforth contributed six. Culforth led the team with nine rebounds. Junior Michael Gutierrez grabbed eight boards.

Othello turned the ball over 23 times compared to Wapato’s 11.

Wapato’s Rodrigo Campos led all scorers with 27 points and 12 rebounds. Hunter Jacob added 23 for the Wolves.

The Huskies traveled to Ellensburg Tuesday, Dec. 6. Results were not available at time of press. They host the Aussie Basketball Travellers Thursday in Taggares Gym. Tip off is at 7 p.m.

Wapato 13 18 22 19 — 72

Othello 13 15 13 21 — 32

OTHELLO — Kyler Villarreal 11, Jonathan Garza 11, A. Garza 9, Gutierrez 3, Buenirosto 8, J. Garza 5, Valdez 3, Hilmes 4, Cutforth 6.

WAPATO — Cordova 0, Hunter Jacob 23, Rodrigo Campos 27, Brown 3, Acosta 6, Delgadillo 3, Donato 2, Davis 8, Gasseling 0.