The Pike Liberal Arts boys team defeated Sparta Academy 57-35 in the Fort Dale Academy Christmas Tournament on Friday night in Greenville.

The win, coupled with a Thursday night victory over Edgewood, lifts the Patriots back to .500 at 7-7.

Marquese Christian led the Patriots with 15 points. Chandler Avant added 14 while Rush Hixon added 13.

Pike’s boys will play host Fort Dale at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.

The girls team struggled against Sparta falling 47-36.

Kori Chirico scored 13 points for the Patriots. Katie Ward had 10 while Carrley Barron added eight.

Pike Liberal Arts will play the loser of the Springwood/Ft. Dale game at 1 p.m. on Saturday.

The Patriots girls lost to Springwood earlier in the season.

“I thought they were two fast-paced, sloppy games,” Pike Liberal Arts boys and girls head coach Craig Kennedy said. “No one could really get a grip and settle in. We were just lucky on the boys side to make more shots than they did. We’re looking to come out a play better basketball tomorrow.”