Wildcats Lose Close Contest to Temple City

Despite sizeable third-quarter lead, Monrovia drops sixth of last seven

Coming off their first league victory against Blair last Wednesday, the Wildcats returned home on Friday to take on the Temple City Rams, who were 4-1 in league play before the matchup. As for the Wildcats, they have struggled throughout their Rio Hondo league play, going 1-4 before Friday.

The game was momentum-driven from the initial minutes. The Rams went on an early 7-0 run, and they held an 11-3 lead midway through the first quarter. Nevertheless, Monrovia made it a close game after going on a strong late-quarter run and making it a 15-14 contest. The second quarter was yet again tight. The score was tied three times throughout the eight minutes, and entering the second half the score was tied at 28.

It was essential for the Wildcats to come into the third quarter and grab momentum. This quarter has been difficult for Monrovia at times this season. In the past four contests, the team has been outscored 71-53 during the third. However, against the Rams three weeks ago it was the third quarter where the Wildcats had the most success, as they outscored the Rams 26-15.

That previous third-quarter success continued on Friday night.

The Wildcats held a one-point lead after the first initial minutes, yet after holding the 35-34 lead the home side began to run away with the quarter. MHS went on a 14-8 run to finish the quarter, and they ultimately outscored the Rams by seven points in the third.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, the game not only mimicked the third quarter narrative, but it also imitated the final result. The previous contest against these same Rams witnessed a comeback in the fourth quarter. This yet again took place, and in more devastating fashion.

Temple City outscored the Wildcats 18-9 in the final quarter. Although the Wildcats scored two quick baskets to begin the fourth, the Rams went on an aggressive scoring streak where they eventually knotted the game at 53. From there on out the Rams had all the momentum, and Monrovia was simply incapable of stealing it away from them. 

There was indeed some hope for the home fans, as the Wildcats made it a one-point contest late in the game after a clutch three-point shot. With this, Monrovia was forced to foul and send the Rams to the free-throw line with hopes of getting the ball back. The Wildcats had a chance late to tie the contest up, but they couldn’t get the game-tying shot to fall. Yet another game was lost for the Wildcats, and this time it was a 60-58 heartbreaker.

Next for Monrovia, they will continue league play against San Marino. The game will once again be played on home court on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m.