Tony Kirkwood poured in 26 points and the Neshannock High boys basketball team used a big fourth quarter to knock off Wilmington last night.

Trailing by three points after three quarters, the Lancers used a group effort to take a 68-62 nonsection victory in the first “Battle of the Borders” at Westminster College’s Buzz Ridl Gymnasium.

“Obviously, playing in this ‘Battle of the Borders’ and winning the first one is nice,” Neshannock boys coach John Corey said. “And starting up a new rivalry is also nice.

“Wilmington played very hard and very physical. We had some guys come off the bench and play fairly well for us.”

Kirkwood scored seven of his game-high 26 in the final quarter in which the Lancers outscored the Greyhounds, 25-16.

Bryce Kauffman scored seven of his nine points, including going 5-for-5 at the foul line, in the fourth quarter. Eric Bruening scored six of his eight points in the final period as well.

Bruening led the Lancers (7-4) in rebounding with 11 and Kauffman chipped in with five assists and four rebounds.

“We’re deep into section play right now, and I’ve been preaching to the kids that winning these nonsection games against neighboring communities has to be our goal,” Corey said.

Bobby Nittinger followed Kirkwood in scoring with 19 points.

“Nittinger and Kirkwood played extremely good games,” Wilmington coach Will Harris said. “I threw three defenders out there to guard Kirkwood and we couldn’t stop him. He’s an extremely hard player to guard.

“We tried to take them inside, but we couldn’t match their shooters.”

Dallas Hartman led the ’Hounds (5-4) with 14 points. Jake DeMedal followed with 12 and Matt Wagner added 11.