BENTON — The Pinckneyville Panthers used a stifling defensive performance in the second half to pull away for a 65-43 win over Meridian in an opening night game in the 49th Benton Invitational Tournament.

In a match up between one of the area’s top 1A and 2A teams, the Panthers opened the second half with a 17-2 run and eventually outscored the Bobcats 33-16 after halftime for the 22-point victory.

Kellen Scott led a balanced Pinckneyville attack with 16 points. AJ Keith added 15, Reid Harriss 13, and Karsen Konkel 12. Tristan Mackins led Meridian with 13 points. The Panthers held Bobcats’ senior scoring machine Roderic Gatewood Junior to 12.

In other opening night games, Vandalia rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to beat Hamilton County 56-50, and Benton blew out Sesser-Valier 78-27 in the nightcap.

The BIT continues Wednesday night with Benton taking on Vandalia at 5:30. Then it’s Hamilton County and Pinckneyville at 7:00, with Sesser-Valier and Meridian closing the night at 8:30.