On Tuesday, January 29, Ayala Girls Basketball faced off against a familiar league opponent, Diamond Bar’s Brahmas, in a home league match up that could help determine Palomares league rankings. Ayala looked to win their get back and make it a 1-1 record between the two teams, as Ayala fell to them in a previous match up. 

The first quarter was a promising start off, as the Bulldogs kept it a close contest the whole time, keeping it close with a score of 14-15 by the end of the first quarter. However, by the second quarter, Ayala had seemed to lose the groove they had set for themselves with their defense not being able to stop the Diamond Bar offense from scoring. By the end of the second, Diamond Bar had put up 21 points in one quarter, making it 25-36 by the end of the half. Ayala had to find a way to stop the Brahmas’ offense and fast.

Returning from the half, Ayala’s goal was set on stopping the elite offensive shooting. Ayala did seem to stop the flow Diamond Bar had set, but it did not translate well to their offense, as the Bulldogs would only put up 10 points compared to Diamond Bar’s 15. The end of the third marked a score of 35-51, making a comeback look less and less likely. By the start of the fourth, it was all catch up for Ayala, trying to make up for the points allowed the past couple of quarters. Something was done right, as Ayala only held the explosive Brahmas offense to nine points in the fourth, however, Ayala would do no better, scoring nine themselves. The final score was 40-66, breaking the Bulldogs winning streak. 

Ayala looks to bounce back and not end their season with a losing streak, playing another league opponent in the Claremont Wolfpack. The game will be tough, as Claremont is placed first in the Palomares League. The game will be played Thursday, January 30, 2025.