Ricebirds capture Cardinals

El Campo moved to 4-1 on the season after defeating the Cardinals Tuesday in Columbus in a basketball game that started close, but ended with the 'Birds well in the lead.

Still early in the season, the Ricebirds are continuing to play into shape. With several football players on the roster, the team has to become accustomed to the constant movement required by basketball.

The first quarter was evidence that the 'Birds are still working on their game shape.

Though El Campo led 10-9 at the end of the quarter, it could have by a lot more. The Ricebirds made three of 12 field goals, shooting 25 percent, and connected on three of nine free throws in the quarter.

Columbus took the lead for much of the second quarter. As the game neared halftime, the Ricebirds rallied back to take a 10-point lead with 1:30 left to play in the half.

The Cardinals cut El Campo's lead to 26-20 at the mid-way point of the game, but the 'Birds had plenty of momentum.

By the start of the third quarter, it was too late for a Cardinal comeback. El Campo came out strong with a 16-4 run to extend the lead to 42-24. The game was never contested after that.

The Ricebirds cruised to a 63-40 win over Columbus.

El Campo is playing in the Sealy Tournament, which comes to an end today.

Up next for the Ricebirds are games against Stafford Monday and Angleton Dec. 15 before they return to Columbus Dec. 20 for their final tournament of the year.

RICEBIRD STATS

'Birds 63, Columbus 40

	1st 2nd		3rd	4th
EC 10		16	21	6
D	9	11	10	10

EC Leaders

POINTS - Travis Pflughaupt 16, Anthony Terrell 15, Jac Axel 13, Landon Appling 6, Larry Williams 5, Sebastian Brown 4, Maverick Smith 2, Derek Prihoda 2