Clutch Jumper Seals 41-40 Bulldogs Win

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.</em> — In a highly anticipated non-district showdown between two teams primed for deep playoff runs in March, the Albuquerque High Bulldogs (5-1) stunned the visiting La Cueva Bears (4-3) with a heart-pounding 41-40 victory on Thursday, December 18, 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Class 5A matchup pitted New Mexico's top player in the Class of 2026 — Pacific Tigers signee [player_tooltip player_id='648191' first='Jordyn' last='Dyer'] — against the state's rising star in the Class of 2029, freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia']. Both lived up to the hype in a defensive battle filled with intensity, hustle, and momentum swings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears, coached by Marisa Cogan, came in at 4-2 (1-1 on the road) and averaged 59.7 points per game, relying on man-to-man defense. The Bulldogs, led by Teri Morrison, entered 4-1 (2-0 at home) and averaged 56.4 points, unleashing a relentless full-court press mixed with man-to-man and 2-3 zone looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game was a gritty affair with runs on both sides, but missed layups ("bunnies"), free throws, and open threes kept the score low and the drama high. La Cueva jumped ahead early, closing the first quarter on a 9-0 surge to lead 12-10. They carried that momentum into halftime, up 21-14. The third quarter saw the Bulldogs claw back, trailing just 34-32 heading into the final frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a wild fourth, Albuquerque High's balanced attack shone through as they obtained the one-point win. The Bears had two golden opportunities to regain the lead in the final 40 seconds but came up empty.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the Bulldogs, three players hit double figures in a true team effort. Senior center [player_tooltip player_id='648197' first='Savannah' last='Combs'] dominated with a team-high 14 points — 12 in the second half alone. After a slow start, the lengthy post player imposed her will, finishing over defenders, crashing the glass for offensive rebounds, and altering shots in the paint. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='648201' first='Lailah' last='Bouldin'] added 12 points, using her physicality to wreak havoc in transition and draw fouls for trips to the line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But the night's biggest spotlight belonged to freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1356317' first='Abrielle' last='Pavia'], who poured in 11 points and delivered the dagger: a silky pull-up jumper with 47 seconds left to put the Bulldogs ahead 41-40 for good. That clutch bucket proved to be the game-winner in an electric moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the Bears' side, [player_tooltip player_id='648191' first='Jordyn' last='Dyer'] was simply unstoppable, exploding for a game-high 21 points. The dynamic guard slithered through lanes for crafty finishes and drained multiple pull-up threes in transition and half-court sets. [player_tooltip player_id='828814' first='Paz' last='Romero'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1068215' first='Payton' last='Lobato'] each chipped in 6 points, highlighted by catch-and-shoot triples and converted free throws.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's Next</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bears (4-3) return home to host the Hawks (4-3) on Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs (5-1) head into tournament play, facing the Trojans (3-4) on Monday, December 29, at 3:00 p.m.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->