By EDWARD SEVERN, Staff Writer
BROWNSVILLE — The Pace Vikings continued their unbeaten start in District 32-5A with a 70-56 victory over the Mercedes Tigers on Tuesday night.
“We knew they were going to be tough, very physical and strong team inside, and they were able to keep us at bay for the most part, but we hit some outside shots” Pace coach Jose Ramirez said. “We got some transition points, got points inside and used our bench effectively. They came in and helped.
“They don’t quit. We kept that double-digit lead on them throughout the game. We never got away from them, and that is credit to them.”
Pace (25-4, 6-0) got going early and often during the first half. Alex Agado, Benny Villarreal and Elias Fortaneli made it look easy at times. Agado hit four 3-pointers in the half.
The gritty Tigers (13-9, 3-3) hung in there. David Clower got in the lane often and finished well at the rim to keep the Tigers in the game early.
Pace finished the first quarter up 18-13.
The Vikings opened things up more during the second quarter as they forced turnovers and got second-chance buckets. Pace went on a 17-6 run in the frame, but again Clower and his teammates hit some nice shots, keeping Mercedes close.
A 3 from Tigers guard Noah Villanueva cut the Pace lead to nine, but a jumper from Tyler Rudder put the Vikings up 39-28 at the half.
Pace maintained its lead on Mercedes during the third quarter. Every time Mercedes scored a couple of baskets and looked like they might start a run, Pace answered, especially with Fortaneli.
“We just had to keep answering them back, they were hitting a lot of tough shots in the paint,” Fortaneli said. “Our shooters hit their shots, and we were finishing at our side.”
Clower was amazing in the lane all night and used his body well. He received some help in the quarter from Kemper Ledesma and Joaquin Gonzalez.
“We put up a good fight,” Mercedes coach Josh Guerrero said. “I am proud of the boys for the fight. At the end of the day we want to get better. We are on to the next game.”
Cristian Guajardo’s pullup jumper before the end of the third quarter gave Pace a 54-40 lead.
A couple of quick baskets from Mercedes during the beginning of the fourth was answered again by Pace. This time, Guajardo hit from deep and the Vikings maintained their double-digit lead.
Clower led the game in scoring with 26 points. Fortaneli led Pace with 20.
“Honestly, I think we are the best team in the Valley, so going 6-0 in district so far just proves that no one can play with us in district, and we are getting ready for the playoffs,” Fortaneli said.