Chinle Wildcats opened its 3A North Region boy's basketball campaign with a 56-46 victory over the Tuba City Warriors in the Warrior Pavilion in Tuba City on Tuesday night.

With the victory, Chinle improved its overall season record to 9-1. Chinle entertains 3A defending State Champion Winslow Bulldogs, 8-2, this Friday in the Wildcat Den in Chinle in a freedom contest. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Chinle took a four-point lead, 13-9, at the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats held a 29-24 halftime advantage, after outscoring the Warriors, 16-13, in the second quarter.

Chinle extended its lead to 44-32 at the end of three periods of action. The Warriors outscored the Wildcats, 14-12, during the fatal fourth quarter.

Curtis Begay led Chinle with 15 points. Cooper Burbank chipped in with 13 points for the Wildcats.

Tyler Williams canned 10 points to pace Tuba City.

Chinle head coach Raul Mendoza praised the performance of Curtis Begay. Mendoza said Begay stepped up to play outstanding on both sides of the floor.

"Curtis (Begay) hit some clutch shots throughout the game," Mendoza said. "He also made key defensive plays during the game. A gutsy performance on part of the team."

Tuba City dropped to 1-5 overall. The Warriors travel to Winslow, 8-2, today (Wednesday) to take on the Bulldogs at 7:30 p.m. in a freedom game.

In girl's action at Tuba City, the Lady Warriors, 8-2, posted a 55-51 win over the Chinle Lady Wildcats, 4-3, in an important 3A North Region ball game on Tuesday night.

Tuba City will be on the road at Winslow to face the Lady Bulldogs, 5-1, today (Wednesday) in a freedom game at 6 p.m.

Chinle will host Winslow this Friday at 6 p.m. in the Wildcat Den in Chinle in a freedom contest.