Deleon’s 20-point third quarter not enough in loss to Rangers

A 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer kept the Rattlers in the game.

Junior guard C.J. Valencia pushed the ball up to senior guard Pablo Rios IV on the fastbreak as the clock was ticking down. Valencia relocated to the left corner while Rios darted toward the rim. The senior drew the defensive attention inside and hooked a pass to the junior, who knocked down the trey in time to cut San Marcos’ deficit down to 33-26.

The Rattlers never seemed fully out of it, but could never take back the lead. San Marcos fell to Smithson Valley inside the Snake Pit Tuesday night, 73-54, in the final home game of the regular season.