It wasn’t pretty, but the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots cruised to a 54-23 over the Abbeville Christian Academy Generals on Thursday.

“You always like to come out with a win,” said Patriots head coach Alan Ponder. “I would have liked to see us do some things better. No matter what the circumstances, you always like to work on some things to get better. We will take that win and the momentum into this weekend.”

The Patriots owned much of the first half, at one point leading by 16 thanks to strong shooting by players like Hunter Jones, who finished with 10 points.

“Hunter is a very good shooter,” Ponder said. “Tonight he didn’t shoot it very well, but he is the type of guy that is going to keep shooting the ball.”

The Patriots led 27-11 at the half and outscored the Generals 14-7 in the third quarter to take a 41-18 lead into the final quarter.

Ponder was able to sub from his bench in the second period.

“That’s always nice,” Ponder said. “You enjoy any game where everyone gets to play. You enjoy seeing those guys have success.”

Four different players scored in the final quarter as the Pats coasted to the 21-point win. In all the Patriots had 11 players get on the board Thursday night, led by JD Cox who finished the game with 11 points and Jones with 10.

At times the Patriots struggled with turnovers, and Ponder wants to see his team perform better in rebounding.

“We have to continue to get better at rebounding the basketball,” Ponder said. “We get in good position we just can’t find anyone to box out. For us rebounding the basketball is a main point of emphasis.”

The Patriots now turn their attention to the Abbeville tournament, which starts later today when the Patriots face Edgewood at 3:30 p.m.