DU QUOIN — Harrisburg’s Randy Smithpeters won his 500th game Friday. Cobden’s Wendell Wheeler won his 400th game Saturday. Pinckneyville’s Bob Waggoner joined the milestone festivities Tuesday night, as win number 500 came courtesy a 52-40 victory over Du Quoin.

It wasn’t easy.

The Panthers led by eight late in the first half, but the Indians scored the final four points of the quarter, cutting Pinckneyville’s lead to 25-21 at the half. Du Quoin then came out and scored the first four points of the third quarter to tie it up.

Then tied at 30, Pinckneyville seized control The Panthers closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to lead 40-32 heading to the fourth. Pinckneyville only had one field goal in the final frame, but the Panthers were 10-10 from the free throw line in the fourth and 18-21 for the game.

Pinckneyville senior Ben Restoff led all scorers with 17 points. Fellow senior Dre Scott added 13. Wade Roberson led Du Quoin with 14. Ethan Morris added 10.

Pinckneyville improves to 10-2 (6-2). The Panthers will host Anna-Jonesboro Friday night. Du Quoin falls to 6-8 (3-5). The Indians will travel to Sparta Friday night.