Pima’s big third quarter propels Roughriders past Bisbee Pumas

Jon Johnson Photo Gila Herald: Jayci McClain and the Pima Roughriders raced away from the Bisbee Pumas in the third period on their way to a 64-35 blowout win.

By Jon Johnson

jonjohnsonnews@gmail.com

PIMA – The Pima Roughriders girls basketball team went on a 22-2 run in the third quarter to change a competitive game into a 29-point 64-35 blowout victory over the visiting Bisbee Pumas on Friday. 

“I got on them a little bit at halftime and told them ‘you can be more physical’”, said Pima head coach Roy Corona. “On defense, if they’re not in foul trouble, just get after it. And then I put number 10 (Emalea Llamas) on their 20 (Gabriella Lopez) and that helped a little bit. And we finally went inside a little more, too. That third quarter was excellent.”  

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Pima’s Ashlynn Chlarson outjumps Bisbee’s Gabriella Lopez at the start of the game.

Ashlynn Chlarson was her usual undefendable self as she seemingly scored at will in the paint for a game-high 23 points. 

Jayci McClain was mad money from Downtown as she hit five of the team’s seven 3-pointers on her way to a 20-point night. Ella Wiltbank threw down the other two long balls to help her get to 10 points.

Bisbee (5-4) came ready to do battle and jumped out to a 5-2 early lead. Gabriella Lopez (14 points) was a beast on the court and Monae Barry was deadly from deep with four daggers from the beyond to give her 12 points. Other scorers for Bisbee included Yanitza Romero (5 points) whose 3-pointer in the second helped keep the game close, and Ademina Martinez, and Vianney Hildalgo with 2 points each.

With about 1:10 to go in the half, Lopez gave Bisbee the lead, 21-19. Pima went on a mini, 4-0 run to end the half, however, and Pima took the lead at the break, 23-21 when McClain’s shot kissed off the glass good just before the buzzer. 

Then the third quarter happened. Bisbee could not shake the intense pressure defense, which in turn caused multiple turnovers and fast-break opportunities.  

“That third quarter was just awesome,” Corona said. “That was a great game for us.”

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Pima’s Emalea Llamas heads up court after picking Bisbee’s pocket.

After the carnage, Pima had taken an intense, close game and completely blew it apart, essentially doubling the Pumas’ score while entering the fourth period up 45-23. 

The Roughriders continued to pour it on throughout the fourth with Adysen Hoopes putting in all 7 of her points in the period. Other scorers on the night for Pima included Sadie Richardson with 4 points as Pima defeated Bisbee 64-35.  

Pima (8-1) will next play in the Eastern Arizona College 46th annual Girls’ Eastern Arizona Holiday Tournament, Dec. 19-21 at EAC. Visit our Facebook page to see more pictures from the game.

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Pima’s smothering defense allowed only 2 points in the third period.

In other local prep girls basketball: 

Thatcher (3-0) defeated Sabino on the road on Dec. 15, 57-21. The Eagles will next play in the EAC Holiday Tournament, Dec. 19-21. 

Safford (3-7) fell to Silver, New Mexico, 32-41. The Bulldogs will travel to face the Pueblo Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 17, starting at 2 p.m. 

Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Cheerleaders stand at attention during the National Anthem before the Pima girls basketball game against Bisbee.

Fort Thomas (11-1) defeated Duncan (3-7-1), 52-23 on Dec. 15. The Apaches played Joseph City on Friday and will next play in the EAC Holiday Tournament. 

The Wildkats will next play in the EAC Holiday Tournament.