Rebels rally for OT victory
No. 8 Seton-LaSalle edges E. Allegheny
If they could get the game into overtime, Seton-LaSalle knew they would win. That’s exactly what they did.
Junior Nick Deanes hit a runner in the lane with six seconds left to tie the score and the No. 8-seeded Rebels (1012) rode the momentum to a 57-52 overtime win against No. 9 East Allegheny (12-8) at Fox Chapel.
“They never really panicked,” Rebels coach Mark Walsh said. “We were able to make some shots and get back into the game.”
East Allegheny held a 3829 advantage heading into the fourth quarter but were outscored, 18-9, in the final eight minutes of regulation thanks to poor free-throw shooting. The Wildcats finished 8 of 25 from line and missed a chance to win the game at the buzzer when their shot rimmed out.
Deanes, Matt Banbury and freshman Michael Bigley came up big in the fourth quarter and overtime for the Rebels. Banbury hit a couple of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and Bigley went 5 of 6 from the freethrow line in overtime.
“He [Bigley] was able to give us the lead in overtime and that put more pressure on the other team, “Walsh said. “He has done a good job for us. He got forced into starting due to injury. We had confidence in him. He is a quality point guard.”
More Class 3A games
Lincoln Park 74, Steel Valley 62: The No. 1 Leopards (19-4) won their eighth consecutive game against the No. 16 Ironmen (10-13) at North Allegheny. Nelly Cummings led the way with 27 points, including a 15-of -8 performance from the freethrow line.
Washington 57, Ellwood City 29: Even with their star Matt Popeck sidelined, the
No. 2 Prexies (19-4) had no problem with the No. 15 Wolverines (9-11) at Peters Township. Isaiah Robinson picked up the slack, scoring 20 of his 28 points in the second half.
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic 51, Burrell 41: The defending WPIAL Class 1A champions overcame a sluggish start to advance against the No. 14 Buccaneers (8-15) at North Hills. The No. 3 Trojans outscored the Bucs, 3115, in the second and third quarters combined and were led by Kenny Fukon with 19 points.
Shady Side Academy 60, Carlynton 41: A balanced attack led the No. 4 Indians (176) to a playoff win in for the 11th consecutive year. Freshman Grady Monroe led four players in double figures with 15 points. The win was the sixth in the past seven games for the Indians. The No. 13 Cougars (11-12) were making their first playoff appearance since 2010. They were led by Courtney Mickens with 13 points.
Riverside 65, Burgettstown 42: The No. 6 Panthers (167) got the monkey off their back after losing in the first round the past two years with
a victory against the No. 11 Blue Devils (11-12) at North Allegheny. Riverside jumped to a 17-6 lead after the first quarter and were led by Dylan Speicher with 16 points.
Aliquippa 70, Charleroi 51: It was a tough regular season for the Quips (12-11) by their standards, but the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions will be moving on after a victory against the No. 10 Cougars (12-11) at Baldwin. William Gibson led the Quips with 21 points. Sam Miceli tied for a game high with 21 points for Charleroi.