MIDLAND The Permian boys basketball team remained undefeated in the Tall City Oilman’s Tournament by recording a 73-47 victory over El Paso Burges Friday at Midland Legacy High School.
The Panthers (8-6) will next face Fort Stockton to close out the tournament at 2 p.m. Saturday at Legacy High School.
Permian has now won four-straight, three of which have come in the tournament.
“The kids have been playing hard,” Permian head coach Steven Flores said. “We just wanted to come out and make a statement. We got off to a slow start but the kids are starting to play well together. That’s what we want to see.”
Permian was led by Ben Saldivar’s 19 points while Ryale Moses had 18.
“Ben Saldivar shot the ball well today so that’s a plus for him,” Flores said. “Our hustle and our effort is what stands out the most to me.”
Burges was led by Anthony Rubio’s 15 points while Johnathan Campos had 10.
The Panthers defeated Lubbock-Cooper, 81-52, Thursday to begin the tournament before defeating Amarillo Caprock, 72-54, earlier on Friday.
“It helps us to get back on track,” Flores said. “The more you win, the more confidence you gain. We have to get better one game at a time.”
Permian began the game on a comfortable 17-8 run before Burges called a timeout with 2:44 left in the first quarter.
The Panthers ended the first quarter with a 21-8 lead.
“Everything starts with our defense,” Flores said. “Our program is built around our defense. We were flying around and being aggressive. We scored off our defensive pressure.”
Burges started to gain some momentum in the second quarter, going on a 9-6 run to trim at Permian’s lead.
Consecutive free throws by Isaac Chavez gave Permian a 29-17 lead with 2:36 left in the quarter.
Permian would go on a 7-4 run to take a 36-21 lead late in the half.
Saldivar hit a 3-pointer to extend Permian’s lead soon after.
Permian’s advantage was 39-23 at the half.
Permian used a 6-0 run to start the second half.
The Panthers began the third quarter with a put-back by Moses.
Saldivar followed it up with a long-inside shot and Moses scored an easy layup for a 45-23 lead and Burges called a timeout.
Permian used a 14-4 run to build a 59-27 lead late in the quarter.
The Panthers entered the fourth quarter carrying a 59-29 lead.
Damian Lopez’s 3-pointer made it 67-32 for Permian with 5:58 left in the game.
Permian’s lead was then 73-43 with 1:42 remaining.
