SAFFORD, Ariz. — Isaac Palmer posted a dominant double-double with 24 points and 19 rebounds, leading Thatcher to a 71-59 victory over Safford on Wednesday night.
Chad Johnson added 15 points for the Eagles (14-10), including a clutch performance at the free-throw line, where he went 7-for-8 in the fourth quarter to help Thatcher pull away.
Safford (7-14) started strong, leading 16-11 after the first quarter and holding a 34-33 edge at halftime. However, Thatcher took control in the third, outscoring the Bulldogs 19-12 to grab a 52-46 advantage heading into the final period.
Freshman Trae Gaines led Safford with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Nick Yentsch also scored 17. Cole Yentsch finished with 10 points.
Thatcher dominated the boards, outrebounding Safford 43-19. At the free-throw line, the Eagles went 12-of-22, while the Bulldogs finished 10-of-19.
Thatcher will travel to Tanque Verde on Friday, while Safford will visit Pusch Ridge on Saturday.
