Cats unable to hang on at Lovington

LOVINGTON — When you’re in the middle of a tough season, close losses can sting even more than usual.

Clovis High’s boys were a minute away from pulling out their fourth win of the campaign on Saturday afternoon, but Lovington — which had gone 1-for-9 from the free throw line to that point — converted 3-of-4 at the end and pulled out a 57-55 victory.

The Wildcats (3-17) had the advantage from the foul line for the game, going 13-of-19. They also had the lead for most of the first two-quarters plus, but Lovington (12-5) outscored them 23-13 in the third period to wipe out a five-point halftime deficit.

“Our kids played hard and battled,” CHS boys coach Jaden Isler said. “That’s a good Lovington team that’s had some good wins this season.

“We gave ourselves a chance. We weren’t able to hang on to the lead at the end.”

Junior guard Brian Weiss and junior forward R.J. Nora set season scoring highs with 21 and 19 points, respectively, for Clovis. Weiss had five 3-pointers, including one just before time ran out in the second period to stake the Cats to a 28-23 advantage.

Only senior forward Tayten Hilliard reached double figures for Lovington with 14 points, but four others contributed at least seven points and it was just enough.

It was the final non-district game for the Cats, who absorbed their seventh loss this season by six points or less. They were to begin District 4-5A play on Tuesday night at Carlsbad, then travel to Hobbs on Friday.

Isler said he expects the Cats to give it a battle.

“Both of those teams are among the top teams in the state,” he said of the Cavemen and Eagles. “We’ve got our hands full, for sure.”