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The Columbus Cards have taken a step back in the district standings after a stretch of the tightest games this season. After taking wins in the first couple of tight matchups, they have started losing a bit of their momentum in their most recent outings. A loss against Industrial early last week and their most recent defeat has also made their mission to claim a district title a little more difficult as they ceded the first-place spot to Edna after suffering the 42-39 defeat to Hallettsville.
The Cards lacked their usual pop on offense at the beginning of their district matchup against the Brahmas. They came out with just five points in a slow first quarter that helped Hallettsville build a lead. The teams played each other evenly in the second period and went into halftime with the Brahmas holding a 22-16 lead over the Cardinals. Columbus made their comeback bid in the third period with a near 20-point quarter to take the lead. They outscored Hallettsville 19-7 in that frame to take a 35-29 lead into the fourth quarter. However, none of the momentum the Cards had built in the third carried into the fourth as the Cards managed just four points in the period. That scoring gulf allowed the Brahmas to get back into the game and tie it up with only a few moments remaining in the game. With one more shot to win it, Hallettsville nailed a three-pointer to take the late lead and secure the clutch victory.
Columbus' leading scorer was Trevor Berger who feasted in the paint for 14 points. He was followed by Colton Pitchford who finished with 10 points as the Cards' only double-digit scorer. Cristian Reyna and Trace Braden combined for 11 points with the next highest totals on the scoring column.
The Cards return to the court on Friday, Feb. 3 to face off against Tidehaven.
