Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
RUIDOSO — Following a pre-district season full of comebacks that fell short, the Portales Rams did just enough Friday night when it mattered most.
The visiting Rams rode a balanced effort, recovering from a 20-11 first-quarter deficit to swipe a 55-54 victory against Ruidoso in their district opener.
The win gave the Portales basketball teams a Friday sweep, as the girls cruised to a 55-17 victory.
Emilio Baca scored nine points to lead Portales (13-8, 1-0 4-3A), which also got eight each from Jarret Faust, Reyes Calbert and Isaiah Alvarado, and seven points apiece from Zach Blaeser and Daniel Sanchez.
Luis Marquez scored 16 to lead three in double figures for the Warriors (8-13, 0-2)
Efforts to reach Portales coach Rickie McBroom late Friday were unsuccessful.
Ruidoso Free Press: Todd Fuqua
Portales' Kacie Terry, left, tries to get around Ruidoso defender Daisy Cuevas during Friday's District 4-3A contest in Ruidoso.
In the girls game, Sheraya Cox scored 13 points for the Rams, who took control with a 17-3 second quarter.
"We really played well in the second and third quarters," Portales coach Clay Stout said. "They were really sharp offensively and defensively. We've got to go on the road on Tuesday, so we're trying to get two road wins right off the bat."
Madigan Gonzales scored six to lead Ruidoso (8-13, 0-2)
Portales faces Lovington on the road Tuesday night. Both Ram teams are now two wins from locking up the top seed in the District 4-3A tournament.