The Prospectors (2-17) faced off against the Buffaloes (1-14) in Apache Junction on Jan. 20. Both teams were looking to end the season on a high note headed into the final weeks.

Apache Junction won the tipoff and the game was underway. Neither team was seemingly able to grasp momentum with a mix of great defensive plays and missed opportunities by both offenses. The quarter closed with a 6-4 Tempe lead.

Quarter two saw some more offensive plays; however, the Prospectors were unable to take the lead as passing the ball proved to be a struggle. The Tempe Buffaloes held onto a slim 14-13 lead as all headed into the locker room.

Unfortunately for the Prospectors, the Buffaloes came back out onto the court with a fire set under them, as they posted up their best offensive performance of the game notching 12 points in the quarter alone. The Prospectors were unable to catch up as Tempe started to pull ahead with a 26-16 lead going into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter began, and Tempe’s offensive attack was slowed down by Apache Junction’s defense. However, the Prospectors were unable to crack the code when it came to putting points on the board. The Prospectors only managed six points in the fourth quarter to cut their comeback story short. The Buffaloes prevailed, 30-22.

Editor’s note: Isaac Robertson is a high school intern who currently covers sports writing for Apache Junction Unified School District. He is a senior at Mesa Virtual Campus, is to graduate this December, and plans to attend ASU with a major in sports journalism.