Palma handed Oakwood its first defeat of the season with a 71-57 victory last night, moving the Chieftains to 13-1 and into first place in the PCAL Gabilan division.
Junior guard Jake Diaz led the way for Palma with 21 points, scorching the nets by hitting 7-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc. Tai Suich added 18 points, providing steady scoring throughout the game, while JT Harreld filled up the stat sheet with 14 points, 16 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Ashton Marshall chipped in 10 points to round out Palma's double-figure scorers.
Palma's hot shooting from three, spearheaded by Diaz, created separation in the second half and forced Oakwood to chase the game. Harreld's dominance on the glass limited Oakwood second-chance opportunities and helped Palma control the tempo.
Oakwood fought hard but couldn't overcome Palma's perimeter accuracy and interior presence. The loss is Oakwood's first of the season and hands Palma sole possession of the top spot in the Gabilan division. With the win, Palma strengthens its position in league play and will look to carry its momentum into next weeks games as the face off against Moreau Catholic, Watsonville and Monterey.
