Boys' Basketball News

By Randy Gore

The North Allegheny boys’ basketball team hosted Pine-Richland on Friday night at UPMC Court and dropped a 57-48 decision to the rival Rams in Section 1-6A action.

The section foes traded barbs in the early going with seven lead changes in the first period alone. However, the momentum shifted in the second frame. With the score knotted at 15-15, Pine-Richland used an 8-0 run to grab a 23-15 lead, an advantage the Rams wouldn’t relinquish. The 3-point shooting prowess of senior Alex Kastner and Nico Aiello helped Pine-Richland construct a 28-19 lead by halftime. Kastner and Aiello, who combined for four first-half treys, each totaled double figures on the night. While the NA defense limited top scoring threat Grant Spacciapolli to no points in the first half and just two points through three quarters, Kastner and Aiello led the way for the Rams with 19 and 12 points, respectively.

The Tigers attempted to rally in the second half and were sparked by a pair of deep 3-pointers in the third quarter, one by senior Will Robertson and another by junior Ben Coffman. Coffman netted a team-high 15 points to earn Wright Automotive Player of the Game honors.

Entering the fourth quarter, NA trailed 45-35 when a 4-0 run by Robertson cut the deficit to 45-39. However, that was as close as the Tigers would come, as critical shots by Kastner and Aiello, along with timely free throws by Spacciapolli down the stretch, helped the Rams prevail, 57-48. Spacciapolli scored seven points in the fourth quarter to finish with nine on the evening.

North Allegheny slips to 6-5 overall and 2-2 in Section 1-6A, while Pine-Richland improves to 4-6 overall and 1-3 in section play. The Tigers look to bounce back on Tuesday with a home date against Woodland Hills at 8:00 p.m. The game will be broadcast live on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Boys Basketball Summary vs. Pine-Richland, 1-2-26

SCORE BY QUARTERS	1	2	3	4	FINAL
Pine-Richland	12	16	17	12	57
North Allegheny	11	8	16	13	48