A commanding third quarter and an overwhelming advantage in the paint propelled the Montverde Academy boys basketball team to a 66-48 preseason victory over North Tampa Christian at home Monday evening.

Xavier Skipworth led the Eagles with 23 points, while Javion Tyndale added 17 points, four assists and three steals. Skipworth and Jaylen Shepherd shared the team lead with five rebounds apiece, and Joel Patrick recorded two blocked shots.

The Eagles controlled the interior, finishing with a 40-8 advantage in points in the paint and outrebounding North Tampa Christian 33-24.

After taking a 13-7 lead through the opening quarter, MVA faced a closely contested second period as North Tampa Christian stayed within striking distance. The Eagles entered halftime ahead 30-26.

MVA seized control coming out of the break. The Eagles erupted early in the third quarter and outscored North Tampa Christian 18-5 in the pivotal period, turning their four-point halftime cushion into a commanding 48-31 lead heading into the fourth.

That surge provided the separation MVA needed to close out the preseason victory.

The Eagles open the regular season Thursday, November 19, hosting Oak Hill in a Nike EYBL Scholastic showdown. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.