Nick Marquez hit three of four clutch free throws Wednesday night to help the San Marcos boys basketball team kick off Channel League play on the right foot in a 51-44 win over Buena.
The Royals (10-7, 1-0) led the entire game — with the advantage growing to as much as 13 points — before the Bulldogs (5-11, 0-1) trimmed it to three with 50 second left. Marquez then came through to seal the victory.
Ryley Johnson had a season-high seven points while Chris Vines and Christian Mkpado each pulled down eight rebounds.The Royals host Dos Pueblos on Friday the 16th.
SAN MARCOS 51, BUENA 44
BUENA — Whitcomb 4, Poe 2, Wilson 5, Munoz 11, Winslow 4, Turner 3, Payan 6, Perry 9. Totals 17 6-10 44.
SAN MARCOS — Vines 8, Johnson 7, Marquez 17, Koopmans 5, Rios 3, Mkpado 6, Dodson 5. Totals 15 10-18 51.
3-point goals — SM 4 (Vines, Marquez, Johnson, Koopmans), B 4 (Wilson, Munoz 2, Turner).
Total fouls — SM 15, B 20.
