PFLUGERVILLE, Texas-- Behind game-highs of 22 points and 15 rebounds from senior forward Itiana Taylor and some tough defense down the stretch, No. 2 state ranked Pflugerville posted a 57-55 victory over THESA, the five-time defending National Home School Association national champions.

The Panthers move to 33-0 and is the longest win streak in program history, dating back to 1977 and the most during head coach Nancy Walling's career. The 33 straight wins surpasses the former mark of 32 consecutive wins which the 1992-93 Pflugerville team set during its run to the 1993 UIL State Tournament (Final Four). That Panther team lost in the state semifinals to finish 32-1.

THESA, based in Forth Worth, is now 33-6. They have been the national champions since 2007.

Junior forward Diana Omozee added 11 points with senior guard Ari Booth had eight points.

Pflugerville led 41-38 after three quarters and extended its lead to eight, 48-40, when junior forward Diana Omozee scored on a layup with 5:25 to go. THESA chipped away at the lead and pulled to within two, 54-52, with 1:04 to go. Taylor sank one of two free throws for a 55-52 lead and junior guard Taylor Ross followed with two clutch free throws to push the lead to 57-52 with 51 seconds to go.

A three-pointer from the wing by Rider senior guard Moriah Jefferson (20 points)- a University of Connecticut signee - closed the gap to 57-55 10 seconds later. Down the stretch, THESA missed two shots, including a three-pointer with nine seconds to go.

Pflugerville out-rebounded the Riders, 34-24.

Pflugerville has an open District 16-5A date for the usual mid-week game and returns to action on Friday, Jan. 27 hosting district opponent Westwood at 7:30 p.m. at Panther Gym. The JV and freshman games will take place earlier, with the JV playing at 6 p.m. and the Freshman Gold (A) team at 5:15 p.m. against their Westwood opponents.