PSJA North routs Rivera Raiders, advances to second round

The PSJA North Raiders are officially going to the second round of the playoffs as they routed Brownsville Rivera at home, 82-22.

The offensive barrage of outside shooting, as well as the defensive pressure applied throughout the game proved to be more than a handful for the visiting Rivera Raiders. This contest was the second time these two teams played as PSJA North defeated Rivera the first time around in a commanding fashion.

This win crowns PSJA North as bi-district champions, which adorns their district championship trophy from last week when they defeated Sharyland.

PSJA North's victory over the visiting Rivera Raiders gives them their 30th win of the season — they now stand at 30-7 overall. Rivera drops to 18-13 overall and they finished fourth in district 32-5A. Prior to this game, Rivera had a five-game winning streak.

The start of the game started off a bit rocky for both of the teams as neither one of them could really get a full offensive set going. PSJA North would have a couple of turnovers, then Rivera would have a couple as well.

After the wheels started turning a bit, Alexandra Gonzalez hit a three from near the top of the key. Then the following possession, Madison Stanfield cashed one in the corner for the 8-4 lead.

But Rivera — similar to PSJA North — loves to play around the perimeter as well as they knocked down three 3-pointers in the first quarter as Katy Zamora and Oyuki Treviño dialed in to keep the game close at the end of the first. Gonzalez had hit a buzzer-beating shot with five seconds to spare to make it 18-12.

Defensively, PSJA North cranked it up as Rivera then had a difficult time adjusting to the full-court press by the home squad. There were sequences where Rivera couldn't get past half-court due to two defenders usually smothering a guard. 

In the second and third quarters, Raiders hit a barrage of three pointers, along with steals to have 24 and 36 points, respectively.

Gonzalez was the leading scorer with 36 points — which was a game high, and her highest of the season. Treviño had 10 for Rivera.

The Raiders already have their second-round matchup set as they will face Flour Bluff, who defeated Rio Grande City in the first round, 39-20.

The Hornets have had a solid season as well, as they stand at 24-6 overall with a 13-1 district record. They were district champions in 29-5A. Even more, this was their third straight season as district champions.

Ahead of the game against Flour Bluff, Head Coach Daniela Azubell said she is focused on getting her team prepared for the tough contest.

"It's all about the little things, and I think the further along you go into the playoffs, it's not about anything fancy. It's about the funamentals of the game," Azubell said. "... Also, we've got to take care of the ball. You can't throw it away. If we don't turn over the ball, we keep them to one shot. I know we're going to be in that game."

Raiders take on Flour Bluff on Friday at 6 p.m. at PSJA North.