Xavier Prep overtook 6A Premier Region foe Perry with a strong third quarter, but needed a quick 5-0 run midway through the final period to knock off upset-minded Perry, 52-45, at Dan Serrano Gym.

With Monday night's win #2 Xavier remained perfect in region at 5-0 and has won 13 of 14 power-ranking games. The Gators lone power-ranking loss came last week to #1 Valley Vista. The Pumas, ranked #13, are 10-3 prg and 3-2 in region.

Xavier's victory was paced by balanced scoring and and fine free-throw shooting. The Gators had a trio of players tally in double figures. Dominque Nesland led with 14 points, Maureen Ulrich added 12 and leading scorer for the season Sarah Miller chipped in 11. Xavier made 16 of 19 free throws.

Perry didn't enjoy an enormous lead even with it holding the upper hand most of the game. The Pumas' largest advantage was six in the first and second quarters. Xavier began a surge in the third period and took the lead for good, 35-34, with 2:25 left in the third. The Gators led heading to the fourth quarter, 41-36, after outscoring the Pumas, 15-8, in the third.

Xavier's 5-0 run came after it was scoreless the first 3-1/2 minutes of the fourth. By then Perry trailed only 41-40. A layup by Ulrich with 4:27 left and a three-point play by Nesland at the 3:59 mark allowed breathing room at 46-40. The Pumas pulled within 46-42 on a steal and layup by Khamil Pierre with 1:19 to play. Xavier held on by making 6 of 6 free throws over the next minute to seal the outcome. Sienna Cherwinski, Ulrich and Miller made two free throws each.

Monday's game was a reschedule from earlier in the season due to COVID issues. The teams meet again Tuesday night at Xavier to complete their two region matchups.

Perry's Kira Patel (light uniform) puts up shot in the first half of Monday's game. (Azpreps365 photo)