Permian (20-9, 5-2) took a key district win over Midland Legacy with a 73-45 blowout on Feb. 2, and with the victory the Panthers secured a playoff berth (13-15, 3-4).
While the Rebels got on the board first with a put back layup by Cutter Clark, Permian dominated the first quarter with a 21-3 advantage. J’Sia McCowen nailed a three to make it a 9-2 lead early. The hot run continued with Ben Saldivar scoring on a fast break layup to go up 16-2. McCowen closed out the quarter with a contested three that had nothing but net. Saldivar led all scorers with nine points in the first quarter.
In the second quarter it was a 24-7 game when Isaac Chavez hustled to grab an offensive board and put it back for a layup. Midland Legacy cut the lead by going on a 6-2 run, but Larrell Powell of the Panther drained a three to put Permian up 29-13. They went on a 6-0 run highlighted by a fast break three for Powell coming off a steal. Permian had a 41-19 lead at the half, led by Saldivar’s 16 points.
The Panthers clinched a playoff berth with a win over district rival Midland Legacy.
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In the third quarter, Zykivion Bryant showed off his defensive skills with a block near the basket for Permian. Dominick Lopez of the Panthers then nailed a three on their next possession to make it a 56-28 lead.
The Panthers outscored Midland Legacy 15-12 in the third quarter, and then finished strong with a 17-14 closing frame that included a three ball for Bryant.
Permian shot 44% and 40% from three, and Midland Legacy was held to 30% and 17% from deep. Midland Legacy controlled the glass with a 42-37 rebound advantage, but Permian led 13-6 in assists, 11-5 in steals and 9-6 in blocks. Permian also hit 73% of their free throws, and the Rebels shot 54% from the line.
Saldivar finished the night with 16 points, all coming in the first half for Permian. Ryale Moses scored 15 points, including 12 in the second half. Powell and McCowen had eight points apiece, and each drained a pair of threes.
Midland Legacy had one player in double figures, as Diego Rodriguez had 12 points on 6-for-12 shooting. He also grabbed three boards, and tallied three steals and an assist. Cutter Clark narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds, and also had two blocks. Jordan Williams grabbed 10 boards to go with two points or the Rebels.