Derek Pihlaja posted a game-high 28 points and Marlin Aho added 27 to help sixth-seeded Menahga bombard the No. 11 Verndale Pirates 87-65 in the West Subsection 5A pigtail Monday night.

Menahga shot 52 percent (26-for-50) from the floor, connected 55 percent (six-for-11) from outside and converted 17-of-33 (52 percent) from the charity stripe to advance to Thursday’s first-round game with No. 3 Nevis.

Pihlaja had three of the Braves’ six treys and Aho also collected a team-high eight boards in the victory.