Unable to fend off Pike in its last two attempts the Southport Cardinals didn’t want to go through that experience again in the first round of the sectionals Tuesday night.

Southport held on and hit a couple of crucial free throws and were the recipients of an unbelievable error on the part of a Pike player who called a time out when the Red Devils didn’t have a timeout remaining. That cost Pike a technical giving Southport free throws and the ball.

Final

#9 Southport – 53

#10 Pike – 46

Joey Brunk led the Cards with 24 and freshman Harold Bennett had 13. Paul Scruggs added 12. Pike was led by Derek Hawthorne with 15.

Southport plays Roncalli in round 2 at 6 pm on Friday.