NMAA BOYS STATE BASKETBALL: 3 Rio Rancho vs 6 Sandia

dors pull off upset against rams

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#3 RIO RANCHO (65) #6 SANDIA (66)
March 11, 2026 – UNM’s The PIT, Albuquerque, NM

In an exciting class 5A quarterfinal, the Rio Rancho Rams and Sandia Matadors squared off with the Matadors surviving, 66-65.

Sandia came out red hot. Ending the first quarter leading 23-12. They took a 14 PT lead heading into the half. George Smith had a game changing day for the Matadors.

Rio Rancho did not go away easily though. The Rams fought their way back into the game throughout the second half, eventually capturing the lead late in the fourth.

Sandia was able to get some key turnovers and put on a free throw clinic to close out the game.

Coach Danny Brown said it was a really good team win for Sandia. “This win goes way back to all these guys right here who had a big role in the first half of the season.” Noting that they were missing players to start the season.

Looking forward to the semi match up with coach Brown said, “We played Rio Rancho twice without four of guys and it was a different story. It will be like that tomorrow.”

Rio Rancho head coach Steve Heredia was pleased with his team’s game. “I couldn’t be more proud of our effort and our gumption to not give in.” When asked about Sandia’s approach and how Rio Rancho made a comeback Steve said “They didn’t do anything that surprised us…they shot the crap out of the ball. We kind of chipped away. We always talk about a long game mentality.” Heredia also noted that the support from everyone in his first year at Rio Rancho was monumental in their success this season. “Any coach will tell you, if you get buy in from players, faculty, community, it helps.”

Sandia will play against Cleveland in one of the 5A semis tomorrow.