Tigers survive defensive battle, defeat Pine-Richland 41-36

Posted on: by Jonathan Spina

North Allegheny played host to the Pine-Richland Rams on Friday night at UPMC Court in Section 1-6A action. Both teams have been on rough stretches lately, and the Tigers got back in the win column with a 41-36 win over the Rams in a defensive slugfest.

Pine-Richland’s Eli Catalano hit a three-pointer to start the game, which represented the largest lead anyone would have in the quarter. Both defenses showed up in the opening frame, and it was 7-7 after a quarter of play.

Things remained the same in the second quarter as a three-point lead was the biggest margin anyone could find. Trailing 16-15 in the final seconds, the Rams’ Alex Kastner hit a buzzer-beater from half-court to give Pine-Richland the 18-16 lead at halftime.

North Allegheny started the third quarter with energy, jumping out to an 8-0 run to begin the frame and took a 24-18 lead. Pine-Richland answered, and just like in the first contest, the score was tied going into the fourth quarter, this time 29-29.

The Tigers hit a couple of free throws in the beginning of the fourth quarter to take a 31-29 lead and never gave it back. Tied 34-34,  North Allegheny outscored Pine-Richland 7-2 down the stretch and came away with the 41-36 victory.

Carter Melzer led all scorers with 14 points. Justin Stalter added 10 points while Peter Bratich had eight. For his efforts, Bratich was named the Wright Automotive Player of the Game.

North Allegheny improves to 6-10 overall and 2-8 in the section. Pine-Richland falls to 5-11 overall and 3-7 in section play. The Tigers will be back in action on Sunday when they host Canon-McMillan at 1:30 p.m. as a part of the PBC Hall of Fame Classic.

Boys Basketball Summary vs. Pine-Richland, 1-24-25

SCORE BY QUARTERS1st2nd3rd4thFINAL
Pine-Richland71111736
North Allegheny79131241