Men’s basketball stays hot against Roughriders

Jeff Moses

Directly after witnessing the Mesa women dismantle the Lady Roughriders, the Mesa men’s team took to the court to do battle with the Yavapai men. During pregame Mesa head coach Sam Ballard answered how he felt going into the game by saying “Nervous, I always do.”

His point guard, team scoring, and assists leader John Balwigaire did not share his coach’s sentiments. “I’m feeling great the teams confident and ready to go,” Balwigare said.

The Mesa offense was impressive.Four players scored in double figures and guard Travis Timmons scored nine points, had five assists and made three steals.

Bawligaire would back up his statements with 16 points, four assists and two steals.

However, the true star of the night was Alex Rudd. He recorded 22 points and nine rebounds, leading all Thunderbirds in both categories, an achievement on his 21st birthday.

A pleasant surprise was forward Michael Falvo, who scored 13 points on five for eight shooting in only 14 minutes.

The defense was just as ferocious, holding the Roughriders to just 25 first half points.

It would seem the length of the much taller Thunderbirds, including three players who stand over 6-feet-3-inches, got to the Roughriders.

Post game, head coach Sam Ballard said Tola Akomolafe stuck out to him and with good reason.

The Texan guard scored 10 points on 5-5 shooting to go with two assists, three rebounds and a steal.

Ballard, who during practices stresses defense and team cohesion, commented on how he felt about the win.

“I feel better than if we’d lost; I’m happy with the progression and hard play. If we play hard like this we’ll be okay,” Ballard said.

Modest words from a coach on a three game win streak and just won 81-63.

  • Mesa Legend Staff

    These are archived stories from Mesa Legend editions before Fall 2018. See article for corresponding author.

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