MERCERVILLE, Ohio — A 17-7 second quarter charge ultimately provided the Eastern boys basketball enough breathing room Saturday night to hold on and claim a 51-40 victory over host South Gallia in a Tri-Valley Conference Hocking Division matchup in Gallia County.

The Eagles (7-13, 7-8 TVC Hocking) trailed 10-8 after eight minutes of play, but then followed with their big run of the night — allowing the guests to take a 25-17 cushion into the break.

The Rebels (5-14, 3-11) responded with a small 13-12 third quarter spurt to pull within 37-30 headed into the finale, but ultimately never came closer the rest of the way. EHS closed regulation with a 14-10 run to wrap up the 11-point triumph.

Eastern, with the win, claimed a season sweep after posting a 52-49 win at home back on January 5. The Eagles have won four of their last five contests, while SGHS has now dropped four straight decisions.

Max Carnahan led Eastern with 13 points, followed by Chase Cook and Kirk Pullins with 10 points apiece. Troy Gantt was next with nine markers, while Christopher Speelman and Zakk Heaton rounded out the respective scoring with five and four points. EHS was 9-of-14 at the free throw line for 64 percent.

Brayden Greer paced SGHS with a game-high 17 points, followed by Gus Slone with seven points and Mikey Wheeler with six markers. Kody Lambert chipped in five points, while Landon Hutchinson and Ethan Swain respectively rounded things out with three and two markers. The Rebels were 6-of-11 at the charity stripe for 55 percent.