The Alba-Golden Panthers earned a playoff berth Friday at Quitman’s Ballard Gymnasium with a 42-30 win over the Como-Pickton Eagles.

Having lost at home to Como-Pickton and Quinlan-Boles in their last two games, a play-in matchup to determine fourth place became necessary to secure a playoff spot representing district 15-2A in the postseason.

The Eagles grabbed a quick 5-0 lead.

The Panthers soon responded, with Conner Gibson first to light up the scoreboard with a three-pointer from the top of the key.

Squeezing Como-Pickton with a half-court zone, the defense held the Eagles scoreless for the rest of the quarter.

Alba-Golden had scored nine straight points before Brayden Randolph cashed in two three-pointers near the end of the first to put the Panthers up 15-5.

Gavin Dailey began to establish himself inside, making some nice moves on the block and getting to the line.

Nearly three minutes into the second, Jerry Skinner nabbed a rebound, went back up strong and made the bucket while getting fouled to go up 21-7, forcing a Como-Pickton time-out.

The lead grew to 25-10 before the Eagle full-court press began to take effect and allow Como-Pickton to close the gap to 25-15 at the half.

The third period began much as the first, with the Eagles flying out of the locker room, getting three quick transition buckets, two off turnovers. Less than three minutes into the half, they closed within a possession at 25-23, but would get no closer.

Alba-Golden held Como-Pickton scoreless the rest of the third, but managed only one field goal and one free-throw, garnering a five-point advantage heading into the fourth.

It was defensive effort that sealed the deal. Braylon Moffett grabbed steals on consecutive possessions and was immediately fouled. Soon after he drew a charge. Gibson cleaned up on the boards to secure several late possessions and keep the Eagles at bay.