Chris Lopez is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Marcos de Niza for AZPreps365.com

With the Lingruen brothers scoring over half of their team's points, Marcos de Niza snapped its three-game losing streak Friday night with an 83-64 victoryy over Saguaro.

The two brothers look similar but play differently. Russ scored his 21 points by dominating the inside, driving to the basket ferociously or drawing fouls and converting from the free throw line. Tommy scored his 22 points by making shots from beyond the three point line or grabbing rebounds and making second-chance baskets. 

The Padres looked thrilled to be back on their home court for Senior Night after losing at Poston Butte, 75-83,  on Tuesday. The Padre gymnasium was full of vibrant energy as fans celebrated Senior Night.  

The Padres started off the game with a lot of fervent energy that was apparent on both offense and defense.

"Our team is really good at transition, so it's easy buckets for us," Russ Lingruen said.

Marcos de Niza head coach David Stark employed a fast-paced offense that focused on the fast break and good ball movement.

Defensively, Stark put a lot of pressure on the Sabercats (4-13) by attacking them with a full-court press right away and forcing mistakes that led to turnovers that helped the Padres build a 41-22 halftime.

"We ride with energy," Stark said. "When we play well defensively and offensively that all rides with energy. The times that we've lost we really didn't bring it."

The second half started a little chippy with turnovers happening from both teams but some help from crowd got the juices flowing for the Padres. Loud chants of "Let's go Padres!" from the senior section bolstered more fast-paced action by the Padres.

"We play better in transition," said senior guard Asael Worden, who chipped in 21 points.

All nine Padres seniors received playing time, including 5-foot-4 inch senior guard Garrett Lamb, who received massive applause each time he touched the ball.  

"We have to get into the state tournament. We are right on that cusp. We needed this tonight," said Stark, who now has a record-setting 308 wins as the Padres head coach.

Marcos De Niza, currently ranked No. 19, needs to stay in the top 24 to earn a 4A playoff seeding.

The Padres will square off at Seton Catholic Prep (4-12) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for their final game of the regular season. 

Saguaro will host Poston Butte (8-9) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. for its final game.