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Pungo Christian Academy’s boys basketball team won for the fifth straight time Thursday, 78-72, over previously unbeaten Ridgecroft on Hank Stoop Court.

The teams entered the game tied for the Tar Heel Independent Conference lead, with the Rams outscoring their opponents by an average of 40 points a game.

Both teams lost key players to early foul trouble, including conference scoring leader Sawyer Chamblee of Ridgecroft and PCA led 20-15

Three more Raiders went to the bench with foul trouble in the second quarter, but the Rams made only six of 14 free throw attempts.

PCA sophomore Maddox Lee hit three consecutive three-pointers for a 12-point lead, then drained another for 16 of the Raiders points in the quarter.

PCA opened the second half with a 9-0 run to take a 20 point lead, as fouls continued to mount.

Ridgecroft converted four of 10 attempts to trail 59-44 into the fourth quarter.

PCA point guard Devin Cadle picked up his fourth foul early in the final period and the Rams used a full-court press to force three straight turnovers which they converted into baskets.

Cadle returned and the Raiders managed to maintain the lead, despite multiple players fouling out.

Ridgecroft closed to within three points in the final two minutes, but Lee and Wilson Sawyer hit clutch free throws to ice the win.

The victory puts the Raiders in sole possession of first place in the conference with a 5-0 record.

Lee led the Raiders with 24 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Drew Van Staalduinen finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Sawyer added 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Cadle chipped in 10 points and six assists.

The teams combined to shoot 35-76 from the free throw line. Ridgecroft shot 20-43 and PCA shot 15-33.

Meanwhile, the Lady Raiders raised their record to 9-5 and 4-1 in the league with a 61-34 victory.

Reagan Stoop led the PCA scoring with 18 points, while Abbey Cutler and Ashley Williford added 12.

Both Raiders squads will face winless Northeast Academy twice next week before taking on third place Lawrence Academy.