MURRIETA – Heading into their first home game against Linfield Friday, Dec. 8, Vista Murrieta had been on the road for nine straight games. The Vista Murrieta Broncos and the Linfield Christian Lions faced off without much rest after finishing up games the previous day. Vista Murrieta knows how to get points on the board — the squad has finished with flashy point totals in its past nine matchups – but Linfield Christian was up for a good challenge.
Last Saturday, Vista Murrieta (9-1) faced Rancho Verde (7-0) in a battle between two of the state’s top teams. Vista Murrieta took a 73-65 hit to the loss column at the hands of Rancho Verde. The loss put an end to Vista Murrieta’s undefeated start to the season.
Meanwhile, Linfield Christian’s recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Saturday after their third straight loss. They lost to Oak Hills on the road by a decisive 68-54 margin. The loss doesn’t tell the whole story though, as several players had good games. One of the most active was Julius Brower, who scored 14 points along with 5 assists. The team also got some help courtesy of Xavier Cox, who scored 14 points.
Vista Murrieta took a serious blow against Linfield Christian in their previous matchup back in December of 2022, falling 75-47. Thankfully for Vista Murrieta, a graduated Mike McNair (who scored 32 points along with 8 rebounds and 6 assists) didn’t suit up this time as the Broncos won 75-66. Top scorers for Vista Murrieta were not noted online, but Linfield had help from their leaders in Cox (12 points), Brower (20 points), and Drew Pierce (18 points).
While preseason games run through the start of Christmas break next week, Vista Murrieta will begin Southwestern League action against Temecula Valley (currently 4-4) Tuesday, Jan. 2, as Linfield gets Ambassador league play started against Arrowhead Christian (currently 5-4) Friday, Jan. 5.
JP Raineri can be reached by email at sports@reedermedia.com.
