The Española Sundevils knew what they needed to do.
After a 2-16 mark in non-district play, they were all-but eliminated from the state tournament. Their only hope was an automatic berth — and when they fell short in the district regular season after a strong effort (4-4, second place), they had to come out on top in the district tournament.
But their run came to an early end in the semifinal game at home on Thursday, losing 53-48 to Los Alamos (13-16) to end the season for the Sundevils (6-21). Trailing by three points in the closing seconds, Española missed a three-point attempt, and Los Alamos sealed the game as they did throughout the fourth quarter with free throws.
The Sundevils played just seven players in the game, relying heavily on starters; though freshman Jerek Duda had strong contributions off the bench.
The difference in the game may have came down to free throws: the Hilltoppers were 14-of-15 in the game, including 11-of-12 in the fourth quarter as they closed the door late on Española. The Sundevils were 13-of-20, for 65 percent.
“We missed our free throws, and they made theirs,” Española coach Joey Trujillo said. “Little things here and there, wasn’t anything major, just little things that hurt us.”
Los Alamos led by three at the end of the first quarter, and held that margin into halftime. But a strong third quarter, where six different players scored, put the Sundevils into a narrow lead.
“Last time we played them, it was a buzzer-beater win,” said sophomore Matthew Lovato. “So, we knew it was going to be a tough matchup.”
The first half was extremely even; though Los Alamos looked slightly better on offense and defense, Española was better as a team. Most of Los Alamos’ points game from Josiah Fresquez and Niko Garcia.
A 3-pointer from Nate Chacon put Española back in front in the final three minutes, but two missed free throws by the Sundevils hurt a chance to extend the lead, and Los Alamos took back the lead with 2:10 remaining on two free throws of their own, and never relinquished it.
Chacon hit from near the halfcourt logo (at least five feet behind the 3-point line) with 28 seconds left to bring the Sundevils back within two points. But before and after that possession, Los Alamos made a pair of free throws, giving Española almost no chance to come back.
Los Alamos’ only free-throw miss of the game gave Española a possession down by three points with 13 seconds remaining.
But Chacon, the hero through the fourth quarter — and the hero at quarterback throughout a miraculous football season — just missed a deep 3-pointer off the rim, running out after a magical senior year.
Chacon and Jacob Torresdey led the Sundevils with 11 points each.
After the game, Trujillo spoke with the team about what the season meant, especially to the seniors, and to learn from the experience not to take anything for granted and to work hard for their future.
“Talked a little bit about the game, but not a lot,” Trujillo said.
A tough year for the Sundevils comes to a close, with eight seniors departing the team. But two of the seven players in the game, Duda and Irvin Primero, are freshmen with promise for the future.