The Blackhawk Cougars pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 64-45 Section 2-AAA home verdict over the Ellwood CIty Wolverines.

Ellwood City (0-1, 2-3) trailed 36-34 after the third period, but was outscored 28-11 in the decisive fourth frame.

“We turned the ball over a few times and it led to layups for Blackhawk,” first-year Wolverines coach Anthony Ovial said of the fourth quarter. “Blackhawk did a nice job with their defense and we turned it over.

“We needed to make one more pass many of those times. That was the thing. We put ourselves in a position to win. We just have to finish.”

Nick Aloi poured in 27 points for Ellwood City, 13 coming in the third quarter. He netted 18 of his points in the second half, while snaring five rebounds.

Matt Young was next for the guests with 11 markers.

Alex Caratelli posted 20 points to lead Blackhawk (1-0, 2-2).