PEARLAND — Pearland began district action with a 1-3 record, but have picked up two important wins to pull even at 3-3 to remain in the playoff hunt.

The Oilers to critical league victories last week over Sam Rayburn (61-46) and Pasadena Memorial (68-59).

Against Sam Rayburn, freshman Ajare Sanni pumped in 19 points to lead the offensive attack for the Oilers.

Pearland opened up the first quarter with a 14-10 lead and increase that total to 14-8 in the second for a 28-18 advantage at intermission.

Sam Rayburn provide a little more resistance in the third as Pearland nipped the Texans 12-11, but the Oilers pulled away in the fourth 21-17 behind the scoring prowess of Sanni, Michael Guillory (12), Ryan Richie (10), and John Deterville (10) for the 61-46 win.

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PEARLAND SHARP SHOOTER - Freshman Ajare Sanni (5) pumped in 19 points to lead the offensive attack for the Oilers in their 61-46 win over Sam Rayburn. Sanni has been the dominate point-maker for Pearland this season. (Photo by Rick Skeen)

Pearland 68 - Pasadena Memorial 59

Pearland faced Pasadena Memorial for a much need victory and returned home with a hard-fought 68-59 district win.

Michael Guillory provided the fire-power for the Oilers with 16 points followed by 12 points by Ajare Sanni (12), and Shohn Dixon (10).

The first half was a tight battle as Pearland took the opening quarter 12-10 and the second period 17-16 for a slim 29-26 lead at intermission.

The Oilers used a strong third quarter to put some space between them and the Mavs at 17-7 for a 46-33 lead entering the final frame.

But Memorial wasn't going down easy as they outscored Pearland 26-22, but time ran out as the Oilers hung on for the nine-point margin of victory.