A great start eventually gave way to a disappointing finish for the Yuma High School boys basketball team, Thursday night in its season opener in Brush.
The Indians raced out to a 11-1 lead in the game’s first two minutes. However, Brush battled back, sending the Indians home with a tough 55-51 defeat to open the shortened 2021 season.
Brush battled back from Yuma’s early salvo to get within three before the Indians pushed it back to 23-15 by the end of the first quarter.
Yuma held a seemingly-comfortable 30-21 lead midway through the second, but Brush closed the quarter on a 15-3 run for a 36-33 halftime lead.
The teams combined for only 12 points in the third quarter, with Yuma still trailing 41-40.
It was tight down the stretch with the teams tied at 45 and 47, but Brush then scored four straight. Yuma never got closer than two in the game’s final minutes.
The Indians had several good looks in the second half, but constantly saw the ball bounce around the rim without going through, while Brush particularly found success inside with its post player.
Cade Morton had 15 points for Yuma, Clay Robinson 14, Javier Duran seven, Beau Tate six, Javier Gamboa four, Forest Rutledge three and Lane Remmich two.
The Indians, ranked No. 2 in Class 2A in the preseason poll, hosts preseason No. 1 Limon on Saturday at 4 p.m. in The Pit.
