ROUND ROCK — The Hutto Hippos varsity boys basketball team saw its fourgame win streak come to an end with a 66-49 loss to the Round Rock Westwood Warriors on Friday, Jan.
24. The loss dropped the Hippos to 11-15 overall and 5-6 in district play.
Hutto got off to a sluggish start, falling behind 7-0 early in the first quarter. Senior guard Cylin Tate helped the Hippos rally, scoring back-to-back baskets, while junior Brian Caldwell added a shot to narrow the deficit to 9-6.
Tate finished with 13 points on 6-of-11 shooting, and Caldwell contributed 6 points on 2-of-4 shooting.
However, Westwood quickly regained control, responding with a 12-5 run to push its lead to 21-10. Both teams traded shots for the remainder of the half, and the Hippos entered the break trailing 30-20.
Senior guard Jacob Bell opened the second half with a three-pointer to bring Hutto within seven, 30-23, but the offense struggled to maintain momentum. The Warriors capitalized, extending their lead to 51-37 by the end of the third quarter.
Despite Hutto’s efforts to mount a comeback in the fourth, Westwood held firm to secure the win.
Junior guard Malachi Hilby led the team in points with 15.
The Hippos shot just 38% from the field — well below their recent performances — while the Warriors posted an efficient 50% shooting night. Defensive struggles also hampered Hutto, as it failed to slow Westwood’s balanced attack.
The loss dealt a blow to Hutto’s playoff hopes.
The Hippos are now fifth in district standings, two games behind Vandegrift for the fourth and final postseason spot. With five games remaining, Hutto will need to go on a strong run to keep its playoff chances alive.
The Hippos return to action on Tuesday, Jan.
28, when they host Round Rock. They’ll then travel to Stony Point on Friday, Jan. 31, for a 7 p.m. tipoff.
