LAWRENCEVILLE—Southampton Academy combined energetic defense with improved shooting for a 79-54 win over Brunswick Academy Friday.

Tonee Hill scored 23 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to help the Raiders snap a four-game losing streak and secure a spot in the Virginia Commonwealth Conference tournament.

Zach Best scored 18 points and had eight assists in the win while Carson Camp scored 16 points and four steals. Matt Nixon scored 10 points and had five steals. Matt Rose grabbed 11 boards and scored six points while Thomas Taylor grabbed eight rebounds.

The Raiders outscored Brunswick 19-8 in the first quarter and had a 34-29 lead at halftime.

SA outscored Brunswick 24-12 to take a 58-41 lead into the fourth quarter of the game.

The Raiders benefited from a 45-point second half.

“I’m very happy with the win,” said Coach David Gibbs. “It guarantees us a playoff spot now it’s just a matter of positioning.”

SA improved to 7-10 on the year and 5-9 in the VCC. The Raiders are ranked sixth in the conference with two games remaining. The top eight teams make the tournament.

SA hosts Amelia Academy at 7:30 p.m. today, Feb. 14.