Malden comes out on top in OT win over Senath-Hornersville

The Green Wave’s momentum is rolling strong this season as the Malden boys basketball team finds itself on a seven-game winning streak that accounted for a championship title at Bloomfield and the team’s most recent win over Senath-Hornersville.

The win did not come easy on the road Tuesday, but Malden (11-2) pulled it out in overtime to beat the Lions (6-5) with a score of 72-70.

Senath-Hornersville’s Pookie Garza came out hot on offense and after three three-pointers and six additional points that accounted for a two-for-two free throw showing in the first half, the Lions rallied for a 37-31 lead at halftime after being down by just one point after the first quarter buzzer.

“I thought we played one of the best games we’ve played all year,” first-year Lions coach Kyle Moore said. “Malden is a really complete ball team that can beat you in many different ways. I thought that in spurts we played the best basketball we’ve played all year.”

Garza went on to finish as the game’s high-scorer after scoring 25 points, including six three-pointers.

The Lions kept it rolling after the break and stayed on top in the third quarter. Mason Williams and Spencer Goff both picked up traction, and they combined for 14 points in the third quarter. Senath-Hornersville held onto a 60-49 advantage entering the final quarter of play.

Malden rebounded in the fourth, however, and outscored the Lions 16-5. Four players went to work and all scored at least four points apiece to eventually tie 65-65 and head into overtime.

Senath-Hornersville’s Garza put in a three-pointer in overtime and Amador Luna added a pair of free throws, but Malden’s Xavier Harris also put in a three-pointer and Payton Woodard four the goal for two and made two more free throws.

“Pookie Garza shot it well,” Moore said. “Spencer Goff is starting to come around. We’ve been patient with him, but last night was more of what our expectations as a coaching staff were for him.”

For Senath-Hornersville, Pookie Garza led with 25 points, Spencer Goff scored 18, Mason Williams scored 12, Noah Rhodes added eight and Amador Luna added seven. For Malden, Marcus Burton scored 23 points, Payton Woodard followed with 18, Quamareous Farmer added 15, and Tylyne Mathies scored eight.

Senath-Hornersville travels to Risco Friday night at 7:30 while Malden hosts Bloomfield at the same time.

“I’ve been stressing the importance of meaningful reps everyday instead of sometimes just getting through things. We’re good enough to compete and last night showed that. Malden has had as start as anybody.”