Young Desert Dog Dushone Brown goes high to score two points during the dogs win over the Tampa Bay Titans.
Photo by Lou Martin
Former San Jose State University forward Brandon Mitchell had 36 points for the Mesquite Desert Dogs in their win over the Tampa Bay Titans Saturday night March 23 at the VVHS gym. Mitchell had 10 points in the first period as he led the fast breaking Dog offense to a 30-23 lead after one. Reserve Dominic Schuler’s entry in the game late in the first period gave the Dogs a huge upbeat as he made two big dunks that brought the Dog fans to their feet. Schuler continued to exert himself in the second period with boards and three blocks and 11 points to lead Mesquite to a 64-49 advantage after one half of play. Mitchell led the Dogs with 20 points, including 3/3 from long range, at the break. The Dogs had 38 points in the paint from their fast break attack. Mitchell and Schuler continued to lead the Dogs in the third period helping the Dogs to a 100-80 advantage. Mitchell added 14 points followed by 8 points by Schuler. Schuler dominated the bigger Titans in the paint. Desert Dog coach started a complete second team to begin the final period and the reserves led by twins Micah and AJ Shepard kept the Titans at bay. The Dogs held off all run attempts by the Titans closing with a 136-113 win over Tampa Bay. Mitchell finished with 36 points followed by Darius Stewart with 23 points and Schuler with 21 points. Guards Tyrone Criswell, Stephan Maxwell and AJ Shepard added 14, 14 and 13 points respectively. The win gave the Dogs a 14-7 season record with 10 games remaining. The Dogs will have only three more home games remaining and 7 tough games on the road including tonight’s March 24 game at San Diego. The Dogs sit in third place in league play and must win all the home games and split on the road to have any chance of gaining entry into the playoffs.
