Coyote comeback bid falls short

The Madera Coyotes boys basketball team stayed in contact with the Justin Garza Guardians, and cut the lead to three in the final moments, but free throws and missed shots led to a 60-55 Garza victory.

The Coyotes outscored the Guardians 19-12 in the fourth quarter and made them sweat in Joe Flores Gym. However, the Guardians closed the game with four straight free throws and the Coyotes missed three 3-pointers Tuesday evening in County/Metro Athletic Conference 2 play.

The Coyotes, who are ranked 56th in the Central Section kept the game close with the Guardians, who are ranked 21st. The Guardians got the lead to 18, but the Coyotes kept chipping away at the lead.