From staff reports

ROBINSON – Despite a strong second-half effort to force overtime, Salado couldn't close out a victory Monday as the Robinson Rockets pulled away 15-9 in the extra frame to win 63-57.

Credited with 27 total fouls, the Eagles (6-8) sent Robinson to the foul line often and the Rockets finished 22-of-36 from the charity stripe, compared to just 6-of-15 for Salado.

After trailing 27-17 at halftime, the Eagles came on strong in the second half, so much so that they led 48-45 with less than a minute to play in the fourth quarter after a 17-5 spurt in the frame.

But following a made free throw by Robinson cut the lead to two, and back-to-back turnovers by Salado, the Rockets drilled the game-tying shot with seven seconds remaining to send it to overtime, where the Eagles fell behind early and could never recover.

Junior Braxton Tucker, who fouled out late in the overtime period, led Salado with 12 points, while guard Paul Warren added 10 points to the effort.

Cedar Park Vista Ridge 58, Belton 42 – At Cedar Park, Belton's usually consistent shooting went on Christmas break a game too early and host Vista Ridge took advantage.

Shooting less than 30 percent from the field, including a 1-for-13 showing from senior guard Eric Braeuer, the Tigers' offense was cold from all over the court.

"It was just one of those games where the ball just wouldn't fall in for us," said Belton coach John Osborn by phone. "I'm just glad it's over with to be honest. ... Hopefully we'll come back from Christmas and forget all about (our poor shooting)."

Down by just six points early in the fourth quarter, the Tigers (9-4) began pressuring Vista Ridge more, which forced the Rangers to the foul line, where they went 13-of-17 for their only points of the final period. But it was enough, as Belton was still outscored 13-5 in the frame.

Leading the way for Belton was junior guard Sean Voss, who had 10 points. Jacob Whitman and Thomas Sholars added seven apiece.

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