The Yuma Criminals boys basketball team opened up the season last week with two tough road losses to Gila Ridge and Cibola. They didn't want to start their 2012-13 campaign at 0-3; especially at the hands of longtime rival Kofa.

The Crims quickly put those concerns to rest, as the they handled the Kings 50-23. Yuma's physical play in conjunction to their pressure defense didn't leave Kofa with a lot of answers. The Kings were pressured to make numerous mistakes, including turnovers that turned into fast break points for the Crims.

Yuma's staunch defensive performance gave them a 25-8 halftime lead that would never be challenged the rest of the way. Brian Dixon led Yuma with 16 points, while his teammate Andre Phillips took in 8 points and 8 steals. Meanwhile, Criminal Jason Pullen proved to be a formidable outside threat; scoring nine points worth of three point shots. He would finish with 11 points overall.