ASHTON, W.Va. — The third time was the charm, just like the previous two contests.

The Hannan boys basketball team snapped a losing skid against Van for the third time this season after posting a 64-42 victory Monday night in an opening round matchup of the West Virginia Hometown Invitational Tournament held in Mason County.

The host Wildcats (3-16) snapped a 10-game losing skid with their third consecutive victory over the Bulldogs (2-12) this winter. HHS snapped a two-game skid on December 11 with a 72-66 win at Van, then ended a three-game slide on December 21 at Hannan with a 60-41 triumph.

Van, however, was more than ready for another rematch Monday night, as the guests stormed out to an early 14-7 first quarter advantage. The Wildcats responded with a 13-6 second quarter run to pull even at 20-all headed into the break.

HHS used a small 17-15 spurt in the third canto to establish a 37-35 lead headed into the finale, then the hosts put things away down the stretch with a sizable 25-7 charge — allowing Hannan to wrap up the 22-point outcome.

Tyler Burns and Paul Holley each led the Wildcats with 15 points, followed by Brad Fannin with 14 markers. Kade McCoy was next with seven points, while Ty Paige and Tyler Jenkins respectively added six and five points. Charles Mayes rounded out the HHS scoring with two markers.

Brandon Elswick paced Van with a game-high 17 points, followed by Logan Crouse with 15 markers.

Hannan dropped a 71-38 decision to Meadow Bridge Tuesday night in the second round of the WVHIT. The Wildcats will play at Union on Friday in the third-place contest of the WVHIT.