Momentum is a funny thing.

One second you have it, another you don’t.

That was the story for the Shenango High boys basketball team in a 78-55 nonsection loss at Neshannock last night.

The Wildcats (1-6) headed into halftime on the heels of a 21-13 second-quarter run. The Lancers quickly extinguished Shenango’s excitement with a 26-point outburst in the third quarter.

“I think for us to come out and jump on them in the third quarter was the difference in the game,” Neshannock coach John Corey said.

“They came out in the beginning of the third quarter and were on fire,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “They took the wind out of our sail.”

Three players scored in double digits for the Lancers, who improved to 4-1 on the season.

Joey Fontana notched a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Bobby Nittinger collected 19 markers and seven rebounds, followed by John Sansone with 15 points and eight assists.

Shenango was led by Jeff Williams and Anthony Kosciuszko, who scored 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Neshannock, which lost to Shenango by two points last season, plays five more nonsection games before it begins WPIAL Section 1-A play against Western Beaver on Jan. 8.

The Lancers tied Lincoln Park for the section title last year.

“We’ve made progress (this season),” Corey said. “Obviously the key is to continue to work hard and keep getting better.”