The Shenango High boys basketball team solidified its playoff position last night.

The Wildcats used a strong second half to pull away and claim a 43-31 WPIAL Section 2-AA road victory over Ellwood City Lincoln.

Shenango (5-3 section, 10-6 overall) is in third place, just a half-game behind second-place Riverside (5-2, 10-6). The Wildcats have a one-game cushion over fourth-place Neshannock (4-4, 8-7).

“We have to continue to build off it and never be satisfied,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “We’re glad to get that win but we have to keep moving forward.

“Ellwood City is a tough place to win. You always try to steal a couple of games on the road; this was definitely a big win.”

The Wildcats outscored the Wolverines in the second half, 23-13.

“We weren’t prepared and I take total blame for it,” Ellwood City coach Al Campman said. “I just didn’t have the guys ready to go.”

Mike Linz posted a game-best 15 points for Shenango, while Greg DePorzio collected 10.

“I thought Linz did a real nice job,” McQuiston said. “He was open and our guards found him.

“Mike made some nice moves to get himself open.”

Mario Greco led the Wolverines with nine points.

Neither team could get going offensively. McQuiston credits the defensive play by each squad as a contributing factor.

“I think both teams were off shooting,” he said. “But you have to be able to play defense.

“One thing we pride ourselves on is shooting. Other times, you have to play good defense and we did that tonight.”

Shenango will put its playoff positioning to the test at 7:30 p.m. Friday when it hosts section-leading Summit Academy (8-0, 12-3).

“We have a tough road ahead of us,” McQuiston said. “We’ll enjoy this win and get right back to work (today).”