The Wildcats kept up with Laurel in the race for the final playoff berth out of Section 2-AA with the home win.

Shenango (4-7, 8-10) is a game behind the Spartans (5-6, 10-8) and the teams will play tomorrow at the Wildcats’ court.

“Our backs are against the wall right now,” ’Cats coach Bob McQuiston said. “Riverside is in the same position that we are. We knew they wanted this win as much as we did, so we knew this was going to be a grind.”

Ryley Ferrari, Ryan Smith and James Micco combined to knock down four free throws down the stretch for Shenango, who made 16 of 23 from the line on the night.

“This was a good ballgame to see, because it was back and forth,” McQuiston said. “Neither team had that big of a lead all night. We knew foul shooting would have an impact on the game. We told the guys to make sure they focused at the line and knock them down. They did a good job.

“Coming down the stretch, we needed to value each possession. I was real pleased with how we handled the ball.”

The Wildcats employed a box-and-one defense on Riverside standout Zach Gould and limited him to just five points. Logan Sheridan led the Panthers (4-7, 7-11) with 28 points.

“Gould had 28 against the first time we played,” McQuiston said. “One of our goals was to hold him down and limit his touches. We knew we were going to give up some shots with the box-and-one.

“Sammy Sibeto, Rocco Fiorilli and Christian O’Hara did a good job of keeping him from the ball. We kept sending those guys at him. We tried to keep a fresh body on him at all times. They did a great job.”

Smith led Shenango with 17 points, while Brenton Booher added 12. Micco collected 11 points and Ferrari was next with 10.