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BASTROP — The Bastrop Bears varsity basketball team edged out the Rockdale Tigers 50-48 in a thrilling season opener, with sophomore point guard Brayden Sanchez sealing the victory by stealing the ball as time expired.
Bastrop jumped to an early 8-4 lead, thanks to sophomore Preston Alexander, but Rockdale responded with a 10-3 run to take a 14-11 advantage.
The Bears quickly cut it to 14-13 on a fast-break layup from senior point guard Julian Bonner, but Rockdale answered with another run, pushing their lead to 20-15.
Alexander ended the scoring drought with a three-pointer and a layup to tie the game at 20-20.
The teams traded baskets throughout the second quarter, entering the third period knotted at 32-32.
Sanchez broke the tie with a three-pointer to start the third, sparking a 6-2 run that put the Bears up 41-34. However, Rockdale stormed back, taking a 46-45 lead late in the game.
Alexander then knocked down another crucial three-pointer, putting Bastrop ahead 48-46.
The Bears held on to secure the win, improving to 1-0 on the season.
Bastrop shot 40% from the field and 25% from three-point range. Despite being outrebounded 32-23, they tallied 10 steals.
The Bears return to action on Saturday, Nov. 16, hosting Lockhart at 1 p.m.
