The Beggs Demons turned in a competitive effort Friday night at Demon Dome, but a decisive third quarter by Metro Christian proved to be the difference as the Patriots pulled away for a 69-47 win in a regular-season boys basketball contest. Beggs opened the game with confidence on its home floor, setting the tempo early and moving the ball effectively on offense. The Demons edged Metro Christian 12-11 in the opening quarter, using balanced scoring and active defense to establish early momentum. AJ Estrada led the early charge, scoring five points in the first quarter, while Baker Copeland and Bobby Baker added timely baskets to keep Beggs in front.
Metro Christian responded in the second quarter by increasing defensive pressure and finding success in transition. The Patriots outscored Beggs 16-7 in the period, shifting momentum before halftime. Bobby Baker paced the Demons with five second-quarter points, and Lindon Demery knocked down a key basket to help Beggs stay within striking distance. Metro Christian carried a 27-19 lead into the break.
The third quarter proved to be the turning point. Metro Christian came out of halftime with sharp execution on both ends of the floor, stretching the lead with a 24-point period. Beggs continued to compete, getting baskets from Estrada, Bobby Baker, and Peyton Kelley, but the Patriots’ depth and efficiency made it difficult for the Demons to slow the surge. By the end of the third quarter, Metro Christian had built a 51-28 advantage.
Beggs refused to fold in the final period and delivered its strongest quarter of the night in the fourth. The Demons poured in 16 points over the final eight minutes, showing improved ball movement and attacking the basket with purpose. Lindon Demery sparked the rally, scoring six points in the quarter to finish with a team-high 10. Paxton Stafford and Masen Hamilton added late buckets, while Jordan Wesley and Coltyn Eller chipped in as Beggs closed the game on a positive note.
Bobby Baker matched Demery with 10 points to lead the Demons, contributing across multiple quarters and providing steady leadership on the floor. Estrada finished with seven points, while Rickey Smith added four. Beggs also saw contributions throughout the lineup, with 11 players recording points in the contest, a positive sign as the season progresses.
Head coach Koby Love emphasized development and consistency as key takeaways from the matchup. The Demons showed the ability to compete early and late, while identifying areas that will need improvement moving forward, particularly in handling extended pressure and limiting scoring runs.
Metro Christian’s strong third quarter ultimately created the separation, but Beggs demonstrated resilience and growth, especially in the opening and closing stretches of the game. The Demons’ fourth-quarter response reflected a team continuing to find its identity and build confidence during the regular season.
Beggs will look to carry that momentum into its next outing when the Demons return to action after the Christmas break on Jan. 6 with a road game at Hilldale.
