Rattlers freshman Travis Garcia moves in to defend against Trojans junior Karl Esquibel as he tries to regain control of the ball during Tuesday's 80-39 win over the Trojans.

Rattlers junior Alex Hutchins tries to pick off a full court pass made by the Trojans during Tuesday's 80-39 win.

The 2A Tucumcari Rattlers beat the 1A Wagon Mound Trojans 80-39 Tuesday night at the Snake Pit.

Controlling the tempo throughout most of the game the (1-1) Rattlers played with an intensity missing in their first game, head coach John Span said.

"This team played with a lot more energy," Span said. "We got some of our depth back with players we did not have in the first week."

The Trojans did not go quietly, they began to play aggressively going after loose balls and rebounds.

"For a time there, we were not matching their intensity," Span said. "After we scored they were able to get the ball down the court before our guys could get down there."

Span said that while the team did get a win there is still much work needed.

"There were a lot of opportunities that we did not cash in on," Span said. "When we start playing tougher teams that can hurt us. Our big guys still need to work on attacking the basket when they get the ball underneath the basket."

Another area in need of improvement is from the free throw line, the Rattlers made 14-22. The Trojans had similar problems making 19-27.

The Rattlers have spilt wins against 1A opponents at the open of this season.

Scoring by period

Point Leaders

Rattlers 

Travis Garcia 15 points

Trojans

Sean Armijo 19 points

Rattlers  1      2     3    4

             13   28   21  18

Trojans   1      2     3    4

              4     14   15   6

The Rattlers lost 82-46 to the Springer Red Devils on Saturday, the (0-1) Lady Rattlers lost 67-45 the the Lady Red Devils.

The Rattlers next game will be on Dec. 11 at the Route 66 Classic at Tucumcari, the Lady Rattlers next game will be on Dec. 4 at the Grady Round Robin.