The Permian boys basketball team remained undefeated in District 2-6A play as the Panthers recorded a 78-63 win over rivals Midland Legacy Tuesday at Permian Fieldhouse.
The Panthers improved to 17-7 overall, 2-0 in district play.
The Rebels fell to 11-10, 1-1.
Permian was coming off a 66-56 win over San Angelo Central last Friday while Legacy defeated Odessa High 64-53.
“I thought the kids came out and played hard,” Permian head coach Steven Flores said. “We want to force the pressure. Luckily, we were able to get off to a good fast start once again. The guys battled and fought hard. I’m proud of them.”
Permian was led in scoring by Ben Saldivar’s 18 points while Ryale Moses and Isaac Chavez each had 15.
Legacy was led in scoring by Colin Barzzell’s 26 points while Max Vera had 11 and Michael Mead had nine.
Permian began the game on a 4-2 run.
A free throw by Moses made it 5-2 soon after.
Permian’s J’sia McCowen sank a 3-pointer to give the hosts an 11-2 lead and Legacy called a timeout with 3:36 left in the first quarter.
Permian took a 19-10 lead at the end of the quarter.
Legacy used a 7-2 run to close the gap on the Panthers.
McCowen danced around a few defenders, on his way for a layup for a 24-17 advantage with 4:30 left in the second quarter.
Ben Saldivar scored an inside jumper to make it 30-22 soon after.
Jacob Saldivar’s inside basket made it 36-27 with under three minutes to go before halftime.
The Panthers’ lead was 40-29 at the half.
Jacob Saldivar scored a layup to make it 55-39 with 2:05 left in the third quarter.
Ben Saldivar followed it up with an inside jumper shortly after.
Moses closed out the quarter with a slam dunk to give Permian a 63-44 lead.
Permian remained in control of the game throughout the fourth quarter.
Permian’s Isaac Chavez scored a layup to make it 68-49 with six minutes to go.
Moses’ inside jumper made it 74-56 with 2:31 left in the game.
The Panthers were not to be denied as the hosts held on for the district win.
Permian will next face Midland High at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Midland.
The Rebels will host Wolfforth Frenship at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Legacy High School.
“We just take it one game at a time,” Flores said. “One thing about Midland High is that they’re going to play hard as well. They’re a little like us. It should be another game that we’ll prepare hard for. We try to get better each and every day.”
