Cruz Mertens scored 18 points and Dos Pueblos’ boys basketball team won its Channel League opener on Wednesday night in a 60-46 decision over Buena.
“Buena played a tough and physical game,” explained Chargers head coach Joe Zamora. “We were able to pull away in the second half thanks to free throws, some senior leadership and the shooting of Cruz Mertens.”
Chris Williams added 13 points for Dos Pueblos, which won every quarter after a sluggish first. Dos Pueblos (4-3, 1-0) made 18-of-27 free throws. Zamora said the rebounding effort by Jackson Wopat , Devon Ray and Cj Zajic was also a difference maker.
Danny Tatnall led Buena with 11 points and Tanner Payan had 10.
The Bulldogs play another Channel League game on Friday against Ventura.
The Chargers also play a Channel League opponent in their next contest, although not until a showdown with San Marcos on Friday, December 21.
DOS PUEBLOS 60, BUENA 46
Buena — Patel 6, Coleman 2, Tatnall 11, Payan 10, McGuire 9, Tatum 5, Sturgeon 2, Singh 1
DP — Perez 3, Williams 13, Olson 2, Mertens 18, Zajic 6, Ray 8, Shugart 4 Wopat 6
Buena 13 10 12 11 — 46
DP 9 14 18 16 — 60
