The Union High boys basketball team strengthened its playoff hopes, thanks to a big fourth quarter at Rochester last night.

The Scotties pulled away in the final frame for a, 59-46, WPIAL Section 1-A victory over the Rams.

Markel Peace scored nine of his game-high 18 in the fourth as Union extended what was a six-point lead to 13.

Union (3-4, 9-8) remained in fourth place in the section, a game ahead of Western Beaver (2-5, 7-10), with the win. The Scotties are also only a game behind Our Lady of Sacred Heart (4-3, 14-3).

“We really jumped out pretty good, but Rochester hung in there,” Union coach Dave Smialowski said. “It was a good win for us on the road. We played hard tonight, and we’re in a fight to get in the playoffs, so this was a big win for us.”

Union’s Tre Major snatched 14 rebounds to go along with eight points. Ben Young provided 15 points and five assists.

Juquan Pennington led Rochester (0-17) with 15 points.

The Scotties meet OLSH on Friday in a crucial matchup.

“That’s going to be another battle,” Smialowski said. “We had a chance to beat them at their place, but we weren’t able to finish.”