ROUND ROCK — The Hutto Hippos boys varsity basketball team fell 59-50 to the Vista Ridge Rangers on Friday, Feb. 7, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. Hutto needed to win out and have Vandegrift lose its final two games to keep its playoff hopes alive.
The Hippos got off to a slow start, scoring just eight points in the first quarter and trailing 13-8 at the end of the period. They battled back in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to 18-16 after a layup from senior guard Jacob Bell.
Vista Ridge responded with a 5-0 run to extend its lead to 23-16, but a three-pointer from Landyn Rosow and free throws from Bell and junior guard Malachi Hilby brought Hutto within one at halftime, 25-24.
Hutto came out strong in the third quarter with an 11-0 run, led by Bell and Rosow, to take a 35-25 advantage. However, the Rangers answered with a 10-0 run to tie the game at 35.
The Hippos briefly regained the lead, 38-35, after Hilby sank a pair of free throws. Hutto entered the fourth quarter clinging to a 38-37 edge.
Both teams traded baskets early in the final period, with the game knotted at 50-50 with four minutes remaining. Vista Ridge then went on a quick 5-0 run and sealed the win with clutch free throws, while Hutto was held scoreless down the stretch.
Bell led the Hippos with 14 points. Hutto will look to close out the season on a high note when it faces McNeil on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
