Mesa's athleticism too much for Gauchos

Coach Ballard knew his recruits would have to prove their athleticism if they had a chance to contend for the Region I Playoffs in 2011-12. 

In their ACCAC home opener against Glendale on Saturday afternoon, they did just that.

Sophomore out of Mountain View, Asaad Woods, led four Thunderbirds in double-figures with 18 points on eight of 15 from the floor.  Woods' ability to get to the basket and finish was in full array for the home crowd.  Woods also added five rebounds.

The tandem point-guard attack of Travis Timmons and Jarrett Green might just be strong enough to notch a #1 or #2 seed in this season's playoffs, if they can perform throughout the season as they did on this afternoon.

Green hit for 16 on five of seven from the field.  He was three of four from beyond the arc, added three boards, and three dimes.

Travis Timmons may have been the player of the game, narrowly missing a triple-double.  Timmons scored nine points, had nine assists, and grabbed eight rebounds. 

Mesa's record books need to be meticulously scoured for a triple-double in its history.  Timmons came mighty close and had a fantastic effort against the Gauchos. 

Elliot Fletcher showed slashing ability, amazing hops, and a vision for the bucket as he poured in 14 on six of nine from the floor.  Fletcher also added five rebounds as Mesa edged Glendale on the boards, 35-34.

Brendan Pineda chipped in with 11 points as his spirited play led the T'Birds all night long. 

Mesa protected the ball well too - just 13 turnovers on the night.  Combine that with solid free-throw shooting (16 of 23) and three-point effort (six of 16), and Mesa evens up their record on the young season at 2-2.

The T'Birds travel to Yuma to play in the AZ Western Tournament on Friday and Saturday, November 25-26, before returning home Tuesday, November 29 against the same Matadors.