Panthers Prevail over Portales
By John Earp
Coming off a big win over their archrivals the Eunice Cardinals (12-5 overall; 0-2 in district) in Eunice on Monday, the Panthers Boys Varsity Basketball Team (10-8 overall; 2-0 in district) squared off with a home game versus the JV Portales Rams. The teams were very well matched, with the lead going back and forth several times throughout the game. Nolbert Cervantes started the scoring off by sinking a three-pointer that was nothing but net. The Rams quickly made up the difference, though. With five minutes remaining in the first period, the Panthers led 10-9. Portales started to build some momentum in the latter portion of the first period. With 30 seconds remaining in the period, they led the Panthers 21-15. Both teams were playing with a good degree of enthusiasm, but the Panthers were not as successful at making shots as the Rams were.
Zadyn Lujan started off the second period with nice three-pointer. In the first minute of play, the Panthers had tied the game up at 21. Sebastian Arroyo sank a three-pointer with 6:16 remaining in the second period, putting Jal in the lead 25-21. The Rams battled back though, and pulled ahead 28-27 near the end of the second period. At halftime, Portales led 31-30. The Panthers came out strong in the third period, building a 38-33 lead with 5:42 remaining. The Panthers’ momentum continued to build, and with 4 minutes remaining in the period, they led 42-36. The Rams were not to be counted out though. They began to steadily narrow the Panthers’ lead, and with 1:35 remaining in the third period, Jal led 46-43. At the end of the third period, the Panthers were holding onto their slim lead, 48-44.
With 6 minutes remaining in the game, the score was tied 48-48. The Panthers then came on strong and dominated their opponents in the final minutes of the game. With 1:20 remaining, they led Portales 62-52. Final score was 65-54 with a solid win for the Panthers.
The Panthers have a home game scheduled against the Loving Falcons (5-11 overall; 1-1 in district) Thursday the 30th at 7:30 p.m.