The gutsy New Braunfels boys basketball team answered nearly every run that Schertz Clemens could throw at them.
Dylan Dahse scored a team-high 10 points, including a pair of free throws that cut the lead to 55-54 with 1:49 left to play.
But the game became a game of free throws and the Buffalo came out on top 63-58 on Saturday afternoon.
Clemens forward Syrblake Norton scored 21 points, including five 3-pointers that proved to be the dagger for the Unicorns.
Norton knocked a pair from long distance during a 13-4 run to open the third quarter to put Clemens up 35-27.
But Dahse sank a turnaround jumper after the timeout and the Unicorns held their own to trail by just three points heading into the fourth.
Both teams would trade baskets through most of the final stanza before the Buffalo won the battle of the free throws down the stretch.
Danny Oldani, Kyle Hittle and P.J. Anderson all scored nine points and Calob Castilleja had seven points for the Unicorns.
Prior to the game, the Unicorns honored and dedicated their upcoming season to former New Braunfels basketball coach, Cliff Wilkins. The Unicorns presented a jersey to Mrs. Cindy Wilkins at the game to be placed on the Unicorn bench in an empty chair for the entire season. The ceremony not only honored Coach Wilkins’ time and effort as a Unicorn, but also to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the 1984-85 basketball team's semi-final appearance at the UIL State Basketball Tournament.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Unicorns lose in finals
MARBLE FALLS — Julie Dirienzo scored 19 points, but New Braunfels fell 54-51 to Cedar Park in the finals of the Marble Falls Invitational on Saturday.
The Unicorns defeated Leander 54-51 in the semifinals, with Katie Hittle leading the charge with 14 points.
