After obtaining a win against the Eastwood Troopers in overtime, the Spartans looked to defeat the Montwood Rams in their fourth-district game.

The Rams started off the first quarter with two consecutive 3-pointers, keeping the Spartan defense on their toes. Senior Willie Avalos had two defensive drives to the net and one three-pointer, putting the Spartans in the lead.

By the end of the first half, Spartans obtained a 10-point lead, keeping their consistency both defensively and offensively.

The start of the second half showed struggle as the Spartans’ offense turned the ball over, helping the Rams claw their way back into the game.

“One of the hardest things facing Montwood was keeping composure,” Avalos mentioned while talking about the obstacles they needed to overcome.

Spartans carried the game in overtime, where they would be neck-and-neck with the Rams. Senior Devon Howard put the first two points on the board with two free throws, giving the Spartans the first lead in overtime.

The Rams would give the Spartans several opportunities to score by fouling. Spartans would take the game with a score of 64-60. This would be their second consecutive win in overtime.

Head coach Arturo Escobar feels his team could have done better.

“The win isn’t always pretty,” Escobar said. “Nonetheless, it’s a win.”

The Spartans face the Aztecs on Friday, Jan. 10 at El Dorado.