FRESNO — What was a competitive game in the first half between the Madera and Hoover-Fresno boys basketball teams — reminiscent of last year’s meeting between the two schools — turned into a rout after the break for the Patriots.
The Coyotes, who looked to avenge a 69-66 defeat on their home floor last season to the Patriots, were outscored 39-16 in the second half Friday on the way to a 70-38 road loss to the defending C.I.F. Central Section Division III champion Hoover on Jacobsen Court at the Hoover Events Center.
The Patriots (9-8) only led by two midway through the second quarter before their shots started dropping more frequently as the Coyotes (4-10) just couldn’t match Hoover point-for-point.
“We struggled scoring, their (the Patriots) defense elevated but we just have to find a way to score,” Madera head coach Mike Hawkins said. “We had opportunities but we couldn’t finish.” ...