Shooting was on ice last night for the Neshannock and Ellwood City Lincoln high boys basketball teams.

The Lancers made just 28 percent of their field goals, but it was enough to claim a 40-36 victory over the Wolverines in the WPIAL Section 2-AA opener for both teams.

“We shot the ball horrendous,” Neshannock coach John Corey said. “A lot of that was directly due to how hard Ellwood was playing.

“They came out in a zone and we struggled to put it in the hole. In the first quarter, we missed 13 shots within two feet of the rim. To give up that many opportunities around the rim is uncharacteristic of us.”

Ellwood City converted just 26 percent of its field goals.

Matt McKinney drained a 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter from the deep right corner to give Neshannock (2-2 overall) the lead for good.

“That was a great shot from Matt,” Corey said. “Everybody is focusing on (Ernie) Burkes and (John) Sansone; there’s no secrets about it.

“We need others to step up. There was no bigger shot than that one from Matt.”

Burkes netted 16 points with six rebounds and six assists for the Lancers, while Sansone added 11 markers and 13 rebounds.

Matt Morella tossed in 13 points for the Wolverines (2-2).

Neshannock led 26-21 at the half, but was held to just two third-quarter tallies as Ellwood City closed to 28-26 going to the fourth. The Lancers were just 1 of 9 from the field in the third period.

“Defensively, I thought we played pretty well,” Corey said. “I don’t know what it is. We have these quarters where we’re not being patient enough.

“Unfortunately in that quarter, we missed four layups. You can’t do that at this level and expect to win. It’s kind of frustrating. We have to find a way to put four quarters together.”