POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Moving on.

The Point Pleasant boys basketball team advanced to the sectional semi-final after defeating Saint Albans 67-52 Monday night in Mason County.

The Big Blacks (13-10) jumped out to an early lead with a 13-to-6 run in the opening period. The Red Dragons (4-19) got their offense going in the second stanza with 13 points, but PPHS marked 15 and led 28-19 at the break. Wade Martin led the Big Blacks with eight points in the first half.

Point Pleasant came out playing efficient on both sides of the ball in the third period, and it led to a 19-to-7 third period spurt. The Red Dragon offense went to work in the fourth period, scoring 27 points over eight minutes, a task they failed to do over the first 24. PPHS marked 20 in the fourth period to seal the 67-53 victory.

“It feels good to get that first one under our belt,” Point Pleasant coach Josh Williams said. “We are gonna celebrate this one for a little bit but then we have to get prepared because we have a tough one ahead.”

The Big Blacks were led by Dillon McCarty with 21 points, including 17 in the second half. Alex Somerville marked 14 points in the game while Wade Martin finished with 13. Aden Yates finished with nine points, Marquez Griffin marked six, while Andrew Williamson finished with four to round out the PPHS scoring.

Point Pleasant shot 20-of-25 (80 percent) from the free throw line and turned the ball over 11 times in the game.

St. Albans was led by Nathan McNeal with 18 points, followed by Tanner Aliff, Conner Beck and Jeffery Searns with six points each. Cody Young marked five points, Quamise Carter had four, while Ryan Broderick and Kevic Watkins both scored three points for SAHS. The Red Dragons shot 9-of-16, equaling 56.3 percent.

The Big Blacks also defeated St Albans on January 26th by a count of 55-50. PPHS has now won 12-of-it last 14 games.

Point Pleasant will travel to Hurricane Wednesday night for the sectional semi-final.

“We have to handle their pressure and be patient against their zone,” Williams said on facing the Redskins. “They’re going to come out and pressure us and try to get some quick turnovers. They’re really active in their zone so we are going to have to be strong, take care of the ball and look for the seems.”

Hurricane is 17-5 on the season and holds two victories over PPHS.