Perry Survives Corona’s Push Behind Howard’s Calm & Bundy’s Relentless Effort

TEMPE — From the opening tip, Perry made it clear they came ready for a fight. The Pumas opened the game with a defensive statement, shutting out Corona del Sol 9–0 in the first quarter and controlling the early energy inside the gym. Their ball pressure, discipline, and rebounding set the tone immediately.

But Corona didn’t fold.

The Aztecs regrouped and punched back to start the second, ripping off a 7–0 run that instantly flipped the momentum. Suddenly, the gym was alive again, and the game shifted from a one-sided start into a real battle. By halftime, Perry held a 24–18 lead, but the gap felt anything but comfortable. Both sides had players emerging, making timely plays and swinging the rhythm in their favor.

Corona’s Response: Shooters and Spark Plugs Lead the Charge

Corona’s comeback stretch began with the energy of Domenico Simpson, who injected life into the offense the moment he checked in. He attacked early, played downhill, and forced Perry’s defense to react. His willingness to put pressure on the rim — combined with the defensive edge he brought on the perimeter — helped Corona find its footing during a crucial stretch.

Alongside him, Ryan Eberle quietly became one of the most impactful players on the floor. Any time Corona needed a clean possession, he delivered it with timely shooting. He worked tirelessly to free himself, slipping into open pockets and firing with confidence the moment he touched the ball. His presence alone stretched the floor, and Perry had to shade coverage toward him just to keep him from breaking the game open.

Then there was Rowan Cordalis, who supplied the big shots — the ones that change the feel of a game. Rowan hit momentum threes that ignited the crowd and forced Perry to burn timeouts. His composure with the ball in his hands allowed him to create space, and he rose into jumpers with a rhythm that looked effortless. When Corona needed a punch, he delivered it.

Together, that trio was the heartbeat of Corona’s rally and kept the Aztecs within striking distance all night.

Perry’s Finish: Poise, Toughness, and a Few Stars Taking Over

While Corona surged, Perry stayed steady — and that stability largely came from JJ Howard, who played with a calmness that separated him from everyone else on the floor. He never sped up, never forced anything, and picked apart the game possession by possession. Howard hit shots when Perry needed them, created in the midrange, and used his strength to get downhill and make plays. Every time Corona made a push, he answered with the kind of mature scoring performance that steadies a team trying to win on the road.

Defensively, Kolby Barnes gave Perry the exact anchor they needed. His length and activity disrupted drives, altered shots, and cut off passing lanes. At times, he completely redirected possessions simply by being in the right spot at the right moment. Perry leaned heavily on his presence, especially late, when defensive stops became the difference between protecting their lead and losing it.

And while scoring and shot-making drew the noise, the quiet star of the game was Weston Bundy. He dominated the glass from start to finish — not just grabbing rebounds but creating extra possessions that ultimately made the difference. His work on the boards kept multiple plays alive, gave Perry second chances, and wore down Corona’s interior. In a tight, low-scoring game, those effort plays mattered just as much as any jumper or steal. Bundy’s fingerprints were all over Perry’s win.

Closing It Out

Corona kept fighting, trading blows and generating big moments from their guards, but each time they pulled close, Perry found just enough poise and toughness to stay ahead. Howard’s scoring, Barnes’ defense, and Bundy’s relentlessness proved to be the separating factors as the Pumas closed out a 49–42 victory.

Both teams showed real flashes — and both showcased players who look ready to take major steps this season. For Perry, the formula of poise, defense, and toughness traveled well. For Corona, the shot-making and firepower demonstrated by Simpson, Eberle, and Cordalis gave a glimpse of a team that won’t be easy for anyone to put away.

A strong early-season battle — and a game that set the stage for what should be an exciting year for both programs.