Bulldogs cut down Jaguars in opener

The Desert Pines boys basketball team brought back its top two scorers from last year's Division I-A state runner-up team, and welcomed a high-profile transfer to the mix this season.

None of that mattered Tuesday night at Centennial.

The Bulldogs took the Jaguars out of their game from the start and rolled to a 66-36 home win in the season opener for both teams.

"That's a big win for us," Centennial coach Todd Allen said. "I was really impressed with our defense. That's a good team over there."

Desert Pines dug its own grave with early turnovers, then filled it in with poor shooting. But both of those factors were influenced by Centennial's defense.

The Bulldogs feature three starters at least 6 feet, 6 inches tall, and took advantage of their length to disrupt the Jaguars' offense.

"We talk about closing out all the time and using our arms and a good length," Allen said. "And we do have a long team, and if the kids can utilize that to the best of their ability, it's going to make us that much tougher."

Desert Pines turned the ball over 12 times in the first quarter, and Centennial's first 11 points came off turnovers as the Bulldogs took an 18-7 lead after one quarter.

"That's a big key for us is trying to get turnovers and capitalizing on them," Allen said.

Desert Pines went to a 2-3 zone and slowed down Centennial's offense some, pulling within 26-18 at the half.

But the Jaguars made just 1 of 7 shots to start the third quarter, and Troy Brown's transition layup with 4:07 to go in the third quarter pushed the lead to 40-21. For the game, Desert Pines turned the ball over 26 times and shot 10-for-38 from the field (26.3 percent).

Junior point guard Capri Uzan, who averaged 17 points last season to lead Desert Pines, finished with nine points. Junior forward Trevon Abdullah, who has committed to UNR and averaged 15.6 points last year, didn't score.

"I didn't know that, wow," Allen said of holding Abdullah scoreless. "That's a big deal. He's a huge slasher, and by shutting him down, that's even bigger."

Brown struggled with his jumper, especially in the first half, but finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals to lead the Bulldogs.

"Troy had an off night shooting a little bit, but Troy found guys," Allen said. "And that's what Troy does, he makes guys better."

Isaiah Banks added 19 points, and was 3-for-6 on 3-pointers, for Centennial.

"If he just slows down and lets the game develop, he's going to get those looks," Allen said. "And he was in a rhythm tonight."

Greg Floyd, a transfer from Clark, led Desert Pines with 13 points and eight rebounds.

Contact prep sports editor Damon Seiters at 702-380-4587 or dseiters@reviewjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter: @DamonSeiters