PEARLAND — The Pearland Oilers got off to a slow start in district play, but head coach Steve Buckelew has seen his roundballers make some adjustments to turn their season around.

The Oilers entered the District 22-6A showdown against Manvel with a 4-3 mark and they needed a clutch win to keep their playoff hopes alive as the first round of league play came to a close.

South Houston has emerged as the team to beat as the Trojans are atop of the league standings with Dawson, Manvel, and Pearland taking the next three places entering the second round.

With three straight district losses to Pasadena, South Houston, and Dawson, the Oilers have turned the 0-3 start with a five game district winning streak.

Now Pearland will look to keep the momentum going to the next round to secure their place in the post-season.

Manvel hosted the Oilers and after the first quarter ended 15-14 in favor of Pearland, the Mavericks were no match for the surging Oilers as Pearland ran past the Mavs 19-8 in the second period for a 34-22 halftime lead.

Pearland's Michael Guillory led the first half charge with nine points hitting three 3-pointers while junior Colen James tossed in his bombs away offense with a pair of long-range 3-pointers and a basket for eight points.

Freshman Javonne Lowery and sophomore Ovidio Perez each added a 3-pointer in the first half giving Pearland a total of seven long bombs.

The game blew open in the third quarter as Pearland outscored Manvel 24-10 giving them a commanding 58-32 lead.

The two teams scored 14 apiece in the final frame as senior John Deterville hit a pair of baskets and a free throw to pace the Oilers down the stretch. Deterville scored 15 points to lead the offense.

James and Guillory each added 11 points while Javen Hedgeman tossed in 10.

The Oilers still have a little work to do at the free throw line as they were 9-of-16.

But overall, the Oilers completely dominated the game to make a statement they are going to be a team to contend with in the second round. They certainly are still in a position to win the league title should they possibly run the table and get a little help.

Manvel was led by junior Jason Scott who tossed in 11 points while Mo Hussein added eight points.

The Mavericks had a chance to stay closer in the game at the charity stripe, but they only hit 18-of-31 free throws.

Pearland will host Pasadena on Friday, January 22 at 7:00 p.m. with hopes to avenge their first round loss to the Eagles. The Oilers will travel to face league-leading South Houston on Tuesday, January 26 at 7:00 p.m.