MATTAWA — The Warriors dropped a 68-66 game to Warden in overtime at home, and then put back-to-back road wins together rolling past Columbia-Burbank 72-43, and pulling out a 70-62 contest over a tough Connell team to move to 5-3 in East Conference play and 10-4 overall on the season.

Ricky Cabrera drained five treys and went 11-of-15 from the charity stripe to lead all scorers with a game-high 38 points in the win over Connell Saturday. Sergio Pineda added 16 points for Wahluke.

It was a highly contested battle between the East Conference foes that are knotted in a three-way tie for second with Kiona Benton with Connell up by two heading into the fourth quarter.

“It was a really exciting back and forth game,” coach Clayton Buck said. “We were able to pull away in the last two minutes as they had a couple of turnovers that we converted and they took a couple of ill advised shots with timing running out.”

The Eagles Silas Chase heated up behind the arc as well for the Eagles knocking down eight shots to lead Connell with 32 points. Austin Smith added 14.

“Our best shooter and their best shooter were on,” Buck said. “We got some good support off our bench too — I think Tanu Buck finished with 15 points and a couple of guys had six each.”

Warden 68

Wahluke 60

It wasn’t much of a contest between the Warriors and Coyotes as Wahluke led from start to finish in the lopsided 72-43 contest Friday. But the game with Warden on Tuesday, Dec. 9 had the gym rocking in Mattawa.

Wahluke held a slim 14-13 edge at the end of the first quarter. The Warriors trailed 30-29 at the break, but went on a 31-30 second half run to draw even at 60 and sent the game to overtime.

“This was a real thriller… I have to hand it to Warden. They came out hot and we had trouble stopping their point guard,” Buck said. “Wes Richins runs an awesome program. We battled it out for the league title last year — I always like playing his team.”

With five games left in the regular season Wahluke’s fate is in its own hands as the Warriors match up against KI-Be (5-3), Royal (7-0) and Columbia Burbank (4-4) down the stretch. First up are the Bears at home Friday night. Wahluke hits the road Saturday to take on River View.

“I’m loving league games this year. Everyone is so even and it’s awesome — a lot of fun,” Buck said. “You have to prepare for every game and can’t look past anyone.”