Brawley dominates Southwest in Tiger Classic matchup, 74-42

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KYMA) - The Wildcats opened their Tiger Classic run with authority Wednesday evening, rolling past Southwest 74-42 in a strong, wire-to-wire performance that showcased their depth and scoring balance.

Brawley jumped out quickly behind a fast-paced first quarter, with Ricky De La Paz setting the tone by knocking down multiple early buckets, giving the Wildcats immediate momentum.

The offensive rhythm continued as Jayden Travis and Joaquin Lofton each added timely scoring throughout the first half. Lofton, in particular, found a groove inside, finishing consistently at the rim while adding points in every period.

The Wildcats' second quarter surge was fueled by Austin Flores, who chipped in with steady scoring and active guard play. Nathaniel Mendez and Devin Kelley also contributed key baskets in the second and third quarters, helping Brawley control tempo and build a comfortable margin.

In the third, Jayden Bates made his presence felt with a pair of strong finishes, extending the Wildcats' lead as Southwest struggled to slow Brawley's balanced attack. Victor Vega added to the scoring column as well, keeping the Wildcats firmly in command entering the final frame.

By the fourth quarter, Brawley's depth and ball movement proved too much for the Eagles to match. The Wildcats closed out the game with the same energy they started with, securing a 74-42 victory and improving to 2-1 on the season.

Southwest falls to 1-2, though the Eagles showed flashes in the second half where they kept pace before Brawley's rotation ultimately overwhelmed them.

With solid contributions across nearly every player in the book, Brawley continues to trend upward early in the season.

The Wildcats will look to carry that momentum deeper into the tournament as Tiger Classic action continues this week.