Andrea Aguilera is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Veritas Preparatory Academy for AZPreps365.com

Santa Cruz Valley was no match for Veritas Prep Tuesday night as the Falcons snapped a three-game losing streak with a 72-38 victory.

The two teams appeared to be evenly matched early in the game as Veritas Prep took an 11-7 first quarter lead, but everything changed in the second quarter as the Falcons outscored the Dust Devils, 23-11, to take a 34-18 halftime lead.

After the half-time break, the Dust Devils came back more aggressive and were able to tighten the score by scoring 18 points in the third quarter, but the Falcons kept making outside shots that gave them an unbeatable advantage.

With junior Tyler Chung scoring 11 of his 21 game-high points in the third quarter, the Falcons stretched their lead to 57-36 heading into the fourth quarter. The Dust Devils only scored two points in the final frame.

“We trust each other. I trust my teammates to make shots,” Chung said.

After multiple close losses, the Falcons showed an eagerness to attack, score and defend the ball.

“We gotta attack the basket. It’s a fresh start for us,” Veritas coach Brooks Dockter said. “We just need to continue to be aggressive”.

Freshman Casen Lentz said the team had a lot more energy coming into this game and hopes they continue to play at this level in the Falcons' next game. 

Veritas Prep (3-7) will play at Glendale Prep (5-3) at 7 p.m. Thursday, while Santa Cruz Valley (0-7) will host Phoenix Christian (3-10) at 7 p.m. Friday.