Prior to going 3-1 at the Pepsi Tournament in Flagstaff over the weekend, the Lobos picked up a critical regular season road win at Blue Ridge last Tuesday night, getting past the Yellowjackets 77-69.

Leading by just one at the half, Snowflake came out strong in the third, outscoring Blue Ridge 25-11 to build a large lead heading into the fourth. Blue Ridge dropped in 28 points in the final eight minutes, but Snowflake also netted 21 to preserve the win.

Jordan Gardner led the way, scoring 18 points and pulling down nine boards. Kegan Bjornn added 16 points; Gunner Caldwell, 11; Kurt Wood, 10; Travis Flake, 8; Caedon Ervien, 7; Tanner Crosby, 5; and Porter Black, 2.

Snowflake opened the Pepsi Tournament against Northwest Christian last Thursday morning with a strong showing on offense. The Lobos poured in 26 points through the first eight minutes and never looked back in the 67-44 win. Gardner led three players in double figures with 18 points. Bjornn added 16 with nine rebounds and Wood finished with 10 points.

On Friday afternoon the Lobos faced El Capitan and this time it was their defense that played well early. Snowflake held the Eagles to just four points in eight minutes. Their double digit lead held up through the game, with Snowflake eventually winning 57-42. Gardner netted 12 and Black added 11 in the win.

Facing Flagstaff in the semifinal game early Saturday afternoon the Lobos found themselves trailing by seven after the first period. They were down eight at the half, but the Eagles pushed the lead to double digits in the third and went on to hand the Lobos just their second loss of the season, 62-46. Wood led with 15 points and Flake added 13.

The Lobos bounced back later on Saturday, beating a solid Valley Christian club 77-57. Snowflake had its offense rolling in the first half to lead 45-35. Both teams slowed a bit in the second half, but Snowflake gradually padded its cushion in both the third and fourth periods. Caldwell had a big game, dropping in 20 points. Bjornn and Wood each added 10.

The Lobos will play at Payson on Friday, Dec. 19, in their final game prior to the holiday break. They return to regular season action at home on Jan. 6 when they welcome in the Holbrook Roadrunners. Snowflake headed into this week with a 9-2 overall record.