The Globe Tigers lost to the Pima Rough Riders 83-62 to get knocked out of the state tournament in Prescott Valley last Saturday, Feb. 16.

When Robert (BJ) Burries missed his signature shot in the first minutes, it was an ominous sign, since Burries and teammate Daniel Widner were the primary go-to players for shots. Yet the game was competitive in the first quarter, Globe relinquishing the lead with 4:56 to go and getting it back with 2:24 to go, matching Pima basket for basket until the last minute when Pima began to pull away. 

Still, at the beginning of the second quarter Pima was only ahead by five at 24-19. In the second quarter, baskets by Burries, Julius Chee, Cory Chee and Widner brought the Tigers to a score of 32 to Pima’s 33, with three minutes left in the second quarter.

Baskets by Burries, Brandon Pina, Widner and Aaron Smith kept the Tigers within two or three baskets (two 3-pointers or three 2-pointers or any combination).

Until there was 5:25 left in the third quarter when the Pima lead went into double digits, 52-41 and fluctuated there in spite of the efforts of Widner, Smith and Cory Chee.

Frantic efforts by all hands were to no avail, especially when Burries fouled out.

The last minute or so gave all players a chance to get in at the cost of a few points in a game that was already decided. Pima, with six players in its roster six foot or over (to Globe’s three), were able to wear Burries and his teammates down.

They found it very hard to penetrate the Pima defense and had to work very hard for the points they gained. Globe fans were numerous and loud in their joy at their team’s baskets to the very end. And the players played with equal intensity, giving the fans an exciting game.

Daniel Widner (4) puts up a shot in a losing effort on Saturday, Feb. 16 against the Pima Rough Riders. Photo by Susanne Jerome.