The Hutto Hippos varsity boys basketball team fell to the Round Rock Dragons 53-38 on Friday, Dec. 20. Offensive struggles plagued the Hippos, who shot just 30% from the field.
The game opened with both teams trading baskets, resulting in a 5-5 tie. However, Hutto then went cold offensively, allowing Round Rock to build a 10-5 lead. Senior forward Ronald Willis ended the scoring drought with two free throws to make it 10-7, but the Dragons responded with a 7-2 run, leaving the Hippos trailing 17-9 after the first quarter.
Hutto chipped away at the deficit in the second quarter, cutting the lead to 21-20 behind key contributions from junior guard Malachi Hilby and senior guard Jacob Bell, who combined for eight points during the stretch. Despite the momentum, Round Rock answered with a decisive 13-3 run, securing its first double-digit lead of the game.
The Hippos mounted a comeback attempt in the fourth quarter but were unable to close the gap as the Dragons held firm.
Hilby and Bell led Hutto in scoring. The loss dropped the Hippos to 7-12 overall and 1-3 in district play. Hutto will look to rebound when it hosts Pflugerville on Friday, Dec. 27, at 11:30 a.m.
