The Archbishop Murphy Wildcats used a huge third quarter to pull away from the Blaine Borderites, 59-46, in a game in the border city Saturday night.
Trailing 26-24 at halftime, the Wildcats (2-0) mounted a charge, led by 6-7 junior Mateen Usui, and 6-5 sophomore Jack Sievers. The Wildcats outscored the Borderites 28-8 in the pivotal third quarter, with Usui and Sievers combining for 17 of the Wildcats 28 points.
The Borderites led most of the first half by as much as six points. Senior guard Justin Minjarez led a balanced attack with seven points in the first half. But, the second half was a different story, as the Borderites went cold from the field at the same time Usui and Sievers began to dominate the inside.
The Wildcats, who have no senior starters, got 20 points from sophomore guard Ira Smith. Usui finished with 16, and ten for Sievers.
The Borderites finished with three players in double digits with senior post Connor Dalry leading the way with 13. Junior guard Josiah Weeda and forward Noah Tavis added 12 points each.
The Borderites (1-1) begin league play on Tuesday with at game at Bellingham.
~ Ted House
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