Portales boys crush Pintos

MORIARTY — On paper, the Portales boys basketball team was an overwhelming favorite against host Moriarty, with the 10-6 Rams coming to face the 2-14 Pintos.

Turned out to be pretty much the same on the hardwood, with the Rams rolling out a 50-21 halftime lead en route to a 75-38 blowout Saturday night.

“Our kids just came ready to play,” Portales coach Rickie McBroom said.

Julian Urioste had seven of his team-high 11 points in a 24-8 first quarter for the now 11-6 Rams, who rode balance to an easy victory. Three Rams scored in double figures, and four more scored at least six.

“That’s the way we play,” McBroom said. “There may be nights when one guy gets a lot of points, but I think we’re at our best when a lot of different players score.”

Also reaching double figures for Portales were Kenevan Bailey and Philip Blidi with 10 each. It was a season high for Blidi, who joined the Rams a few weeks into the season.

“He’s started rebounding the offense of glass really well,” McBroom said of Blidi. “He is getting better at finishing. We’ve been getting him in basketball shape. He’s also been working really hard.”

Entering Tuesday’s game at Carlsbad, Portales had won four of its last five games. The Rams will also face Roswell at home Friday before District 4-4A play starts Feb. 5 at home against Goddard.

“We need to step up, be ready to play and execute,” McBroom said. “If we do, I think we have a chance in both of these games.”