Instead, a day before the game, the Tigers were notified that their opponent would be Clovis, a team they had little knowledge of and precious little time to prepare for.

Perhaps because of this lack of preparation, the Tigers (2-8 after Monday) were overwhelmed by the Wildcats (5-3) in the first quarter and were unable to recover during an 82-51 defeat.

"It would have been a great opportunity to play St. Mike's to see how we would have matched up and improved (since the Tigers 49-33 loss to the Horsemen on Dec. 12)," said coach Albert Aragon. "We only had one day to prepare for Clovis. I definitely think that was a factor in our slow start."

The Tigers were set to play a game Tuesday after News-Bulletin press time against Tascosa (Texas), a frequent opponent which the Tigers defeated 75-67 in 2007 at the tourney.

They will play a final game at the tourney on Wednesday against either their District 5-5A rival, Rio Grande, or Cooper, from Abilene, Texas.

On Monday, Clovis outscored Los Lunas 19-5 in the first quarter, essentially putting the game away.

"They were more aggressive from the beginning and shot well," Aragon said. "Things were better after the first quarter, we just got off to a tough start."

Jonathan Cole led the Tigers with 22 points, 18 of those in the second half.

"Jonathan Cole had a good second half," Aragon said. "But we need to start the game off and play like we did in the third quarter."

Logan Turnbow, the Wildcats' 6-foot, 8-inch senior, led Clovis with 19 points.

Clovis is ranked No. 5 in Class 5A in the most recent coaches association poll.

Even though his team is struggling right now, that's not reflected in the way the Tigers practice.

"We need to translate how we perform in practice into the contest," Aragon said.

Los Lunas is set to play at Albuquerque High on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 7 p.m.