Though the Coppell boys basketball team battled to keep up with Keller Timber Creek, a late fourth-quarter push by the Falcons handed the Cowboys a 71-62 defeat in the Tipoff Classic on Thursday morning in Coppell High School Arena.

For much of the game, it seemed that Coppell senior forward Ethan Macken and Coppell junior guard Sibu Socks would lead the Cowboys to a thrilling victory. By halftime, the Cowboys had turned a slow start into a 38-29 lead.

Timber Creek set the tone early, with senior guard Luke White shooting a three-pointer to start the game. Initially, Coppell struggled to match the Falcons’ pace, trailing 11-5 midway through the first quarter. A rebound and free throw from Macken, along with a layup from Coppell junior guard Levi Owira, led a Coppell rally. The Cowboys led, 20-19, by the end of the first quarter. 

Coppell carried that momentum into the second quarter, with junior guard Colin Griffith and senior guard Jaxon Lowe stepping up on offense. Griffith’s jumper and Lowe’s assist to Macken helped Coppell hold a nine-point halftime lead. 

However, the third quarter belonged to Timber Creek. White and Timber Creek junior guard King Peralta led a furious comeback, taking advantage of turnovers and missed shots by Coppell to close the score gap. By the end of the quarter, the Falcons led, 51-48.

In the fourth quarter, White’s late jumper and Peralta’s three-pointer sealed the Falcons’ victory, despite the Cowboys’ strong efforts.

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