Portales senior guard Stephen Shields, right, goes up for a layup as West Las Vegas senior guard Martin Blea tries to block his shot. The Rams defeated the Dons 55-36.

After a shaky start, the Portales Rams dominated the second half for a 55-36 win over West Las Vegas at the Portales Shootout Saturday.

Portales senior Andrew Villanueva scored 18 and senior Jesse Blue had 10 points to help the Rams (7-3) secure their second-straight win.

“We figured they were going to play the 2-3 zone and spread us out and make us work,” Rams coach Mark Gallegos said. “We didn’t press them in the first half and they were able to get back and set up their zone.”

Portales (7-3), leading 25-20 at the half, started the second half on a 10-3 run. Blue later scored five of his 10 points in a 13-5 run early in the fourth to seal matters.

Jordan Lopez scored 16 points to lead West Las Vegas (7-7).

The Portales girls had less trouble, allowing just two points in the first half en route to a 52-13 win over the Lady Dons.

Junior Macy Mitchell and senior Gabby Garcia combined for 37 points, and were the only scorers in the second half for Portales (10-4). Mitchell had 20 and Garcia 17. Nobody reached double figures for the Lady Dons (7-7), who were led by Megan Martinez with five points.

“The difference in the game was our defensive intensity,” Portales coach Clay Stout said. “Our defense was able to block out and shut them out in the first. Offensively we were able to find holes in their defense.”

Both teams are on the road next week. The Rams open play in the Hope Christian Tournament on Thursday, while the girls visit Goddard Thursday night.