No. 4 Hope Christian Advances With 48-35 Quarterfinal Win

Huskies use defense and interior play to pull away from Valencia in 4A state tournament

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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No. 4 Hope Christian leaned on its defense and interior presence to pull away from No. 5 Valencia on Tuesday morning at The Pit, advancing to the 4A State Semifinals with a 48-35 win. After a tight first half, the Huskies used a decisive third-quarter run to create separation while controlling the paint and forcing key turnovers.

Why it matters

The 4A state tournament is one of the most competitive high school basketball events in New Mexico, with teams vying for the chance to play in the championship game at The Pit, the state's premier basketball venue. Hope Christian's victory over Valencia demonstrates the Huskies' ability to make a deep tournament run and contend for the 4A title.

The details

Hope Christian took control of the game in the third quarter, going on a run to build a double-digit lead. The Huskies dominated the paint, scoring several easy baskets, and also forced Valencia into multiple turnovers that led to fast-break opportunities. Valencia kept the game close in the first half behind its outside shooting, but struggled to match Hope Christian's physicality in the second half.

  • The game was played on Tuesday morning at The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
  • Hope Christian advanced to the 4A State Semifinals with the 48-35 victory.

The players

Hope Christian

The No. 4 seed in the 4A state tournament, Hope Christian used its stifling defense and interior dominance to pull away from Valencia.

Valencia

The No. 5 seed, Valencia kept the game close in the first half behind its outside shooting, but couldn't match Hope Christian's physicality in the second half.

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What’s next

Hope Christian will face the winner of the quarterfinal matchup between No. 1 Roswell and No. 8 Artesia in the 4A state semifinals.

The takeaway

Hope Christian's victory demonstrates the Huskies' ability to win with their defense and interior play, a formula that could serve them well as they continue their quest for the 4A state championship.