Desert Dog forward Tyrone Criswell dunks over 6’11” Wave center Anthony Stover during the Dogs blowout Thursday night. Criswell finished with 31 points
Photo by Lou Martin

Mesquite’s Desert Dogs pro basketball team came out firing on all cylinders Thursday night jumping out to a 17-5 early lead and finishing the period with an incredible 42-15 advantage. Former San Jose State product Brandon Mitchell hit two three’s to begin the run as the Dogs ran the San Diego Wave off the court. The Wave tried to recover going on a 17-11 run before the Dogs regrouped behind forwards Tyrone Criswell and Don Muepo to hold a 71-50 lead after one half of play.

The Wave’s hit a long three to begin the second half, giving them hope but that was soon tempered by a three from Muepo busting the Wave’s bubble. The Desert Dogs continued to push the ball up the court finishing the third period on a huge steal and dunk by Nevada’s Tyrone Criswell making the score 109-76. The Wave could not match the quickness of the Dogs, as the Dogs speed shut down any rally attempt by the San Diego squad. Tempers flared in the fourth period as the Wave coach and one of his players were ejected by the referees. Mesquite’s Jamal Peterson and Muepo lit up the score with 7 three balls between them. The Dogs built up their largest lead at 129-89 before finishing the wave off. Criswell and Muepo led the Dogs with 31 points each followed by Peterson with 26 points. The Dogs finished with 15-35 beyond the arc. Coach Carinel Wiley will have to use his bench more with games Saturday against Raleigh (NC) and Jamestown (NY) on Sunday. All games will now be at the high school gym. Saturday’s game starts at 7pm with Sunday beginning at 3pm.