The New Castle High boys basketball team came up a bit short Saturday.

Anthony Richards’ 3-pointer with three seconds to go hit the front of the rim for the Red Hurricane and Sharon survived for an 85-83 nonsection victory.

The game was a rematch of the championship game of Farrell Christmas Tournament, won by the Tigers, 56-53.

The Tigers broke an 81-81 tie with a field goal with less than a minute to go. New Castle’s Shawn Anderson buried a pair of foul shots with 40 seconds left to forge a tie at 83. But Sharon made a bucket in the lane with 30 seconds left for the winning margin.

Corey Eggleston misfired on a pair of foul shots with 23 seconds for the ’Canes (8-5), but he got a steal at the other end to give New Castle the last possession.

The Tigers (8-2) closed the first half by draining a halfcourt buzzer-beater to trail 44-38.

“It was an unbelievable game,” ’Canes coach Ralph Blundo said. “That shot at the end of the first half was an absolute killer.

“I was proud of the guys for their effort. I don’t think we played great, but Sharon is a formidable opponent.”

Anderson netted 27 points for the ’Canes, while Eggleston tossed in 16. Antonio Rudolph contributed 15 markers and Brandon Domenick was next with 13.

Andre Jefferson tossed in 27 points for Sharon.

New Castle returns to action at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow when it battles Ambridge in a WPIAL Section 2-AAA contest. The ’Canes (4-1 in section) are tied with Central Valley (4-1, 6-4) for the section lead. The Bridgers are 0-5, 0-13.

“I expect us to bounce back,” Blundo said. “My kids understand the goal is to win section games. We want to win every game, but section games are certainly our focus.

“Our focus is now on Ambridge. We want to finish this first half at 5-1.”