Gilbert took care of business quickly Friday night in its second matchup with 6A Central Region and city rival Desert Ridge. This game was nothing like the Tigers 45-42 victory over the Jaguars two weeks ago.

Gilbert outscored Desert Ridge 16-3 in the first quarter and never wavered in posting a 55-37 triumph at The Jungle. Gilbert, ranked 14th in the latest 6A power-rankings, improved to 13-10 overall and 4-3 in region play. That's good for second place behind region leader Highland (7-0 region). Desert Ridge entered play 25th in the power-rankings and fell to 8-15, 3-5.  

Gilbert held Desert Ridge scoreless for nearly the first five minutes of the first quarter. Desert Ridge's only points were a three-point play by junior post Greg Bienvenue at the 3:07 mark. Gilbert scored the first eight points of the period and closed it with another 8-0 run. Senior guard Jaden Acuna netted 11 points of his 16 first-half points in the quarter. Acuna finished with a game-high 18 points.

The second quarter wasn't much different. Gilbert got more players involved in their scoring with reserve Golden Thibaudeau connecting for six of his nine points. The Tigers took a 31-8 lead to the lockerroom. Bienvenue led Desert Ridge with nine points and junior Payton Lapping  checked in with eight points. 

Both schools resume region play Tuesday in what will be a three-game week and final week of the regular season. Gilbert's next game is Tuesday at Queen Creek. The Tigers won the first meeting with the Bulldogs, 81-60. Desert Ridge will be home against Desert Vista, who the Jaguars defeated in double overtime, 85-77.