Gustine – The Gustine Reds hosted the 82nd annual Rotary Basketball Tournament on Dec. 3, kicking off day one against the Millennium Falcons from Tracy. In a hard-fought, defensive battle, the Reds ultimately fell to the Falcons with a final score of 37–46.
The game started with the back-and-forth action expected of a tournament opener. Trailing 5–8, the Reds utilized the free-throw line, with #11 Emilio Caballero sinking both of his shots to keep the game close. Key buckets from #5 Rodrigo Solorio and #23 Justin Lopes that gave Gustine its first lead, 9–8. Millennium quickly answered, but a final two-point shot from Caballero tied the game at 11 with 21 seconds left in the first period.
The Falcons surged to start the second period, taking an 11–18 lead. However, the Reds showed resilience. Caballero converted a critical layup as he was fouled and made the free throw quickly closing the gap. With five minutes left in the half, #3 Alex Palomino tied the score at 18. #25 Frankie Silvera then hit a two-point shot to give the Reds the lead, 20–18. The half ended on a strong note for the home team, as Caballero sank two free throws, giving the Gustine Reds a slim, well-earned lead going into the break, 22–20.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the third period. Millennium came out firing and quickly built a commanding lead, pushing the score to 28–22. Gustine struggled on defense early, and turnovers proved to be the most critical factor.
Despite a strong effort the Falcons continued to widen the gap. Gustine's turnover struggles mounted, hindering any attempt to close the deficit. By the end of the third period, the Falcons had established a significant lead, 36–27.
In the final period, the Reds attempted to stage a comeback. Palomino hit a two-pointer, and Caballero added another two, though he missed the subsequent free throw after being fouled, making the score 31–38.
The Millennium Falcons finished strong, claiming the victory with a final score of 46–37.
Key players of the night for Gustine were Caballero with 19 points followed by Palomino with 7 points.
The Reds will face Summerville at Summerville on Wednesday, December 10 at 7p.m.
