WHEELING — Some wins are just bigger than others. Parkersburg South pocketed a key 51-40 triumph over Wheeling Park Saturday night at The Palace On The Hill. The win by the Wood County-based Patriots avenges an earlier 75-67 loss to Park. Of more importance, it provides South a major boost in its quest for an OVAC Tournament playoff berth. South entered the contest on the outside looking in for the conference 5A playoffs, sitting fifth. Park was a solid third. “This was an important win for several reasons. The OVAC race being one of them,” South head coach Ed Davis said. “I was really proud of our effort, especially after giving up 75 points to them at our place. “We handled their pressure much better this time. We also played very physical and did a nice job on the boards,” he added. “I never expected the game would be so low scoring. It is really a nice win. Park is a very strong team.” South improved to 9-3 on the campaign. Park, meanwhile, saw its four-game winning streak snapped, falling to 8-4. The hosts were playing without the services on injured senior ace Morgan Glass. “South was more focused than us. We never got into sync on offense,” Park head coach Ryan Young said. “I am surprised we didn’t play better. We have practiced very well. “South did a real nice job defensively and on the boards. They were much more physical,” he added. “South deserved to win tonight. We have to regroup as we have a big week coming up.” That big week finds Park playing University Tuesday, Morgantown Wednesday and Fairmont Senior on Friday. The game was void of scoring for nearly three minutes before South standout Sierra Hays broke the ice with a hoop at the 5:15 mark. Park didn’t change the scoreboard until the 4:05 lighting via a Kylie McKennen hoop. The two teams battled to a 9-9 standoff after one quarter. Scoring remained at a premium in the second period with the visitors taking a 21-19 advantage into intermission. Hays delivered six points in the third frame as South inched ahead 35-31 entering the fourth quarter. Freshman dandy Asia Roby delivered five markers for the hosts in the period. South owned the final chapter building a 12-point lead (43-31) with just 2:30 remaining. Park didn’t go easily, battling back to make it a 46-40 issue on a Roby trey with 35 ticks left. The visitors sealed the deal with two Devin Hefner free throws with 31 seconds left to play. Hefner led all scorers with 16 points. Makenna Winans, a talented 6-1 sophomore post, knocked down 14 points while Hays chipped in with 12. Roby delivered Park 12 points and solid play off the bench. McKennen was next with eight counters after being saddled with early foul issues. Winans grabbed 11 boards for South while Hefner collared 10. Park committed nine turnovers while South had 10 miscues. The hosts were limited to just 11 field goals.