Darrian Johnson reached the 30-point mark for the fourth time this season, but it wasn’t enough as the host Lady ’Canes dropped the nonsection matchup.

Johnson knocked down five 3-pointers and made 6-of-9 freebies to match her season-high of 31 points for New Castle (7-12).

The Lady ’Canes trailed 26-20 at the half and cut their deficit to 31-28 entering the fourth quarter.

New Castle, who could earn a playoff spot with a win at Ellwood City on Monday, is tied with Ambridge (4-6, 10-7) for the final playoff berth out of the section. If the teams remain tied at the end of the regular season, both squads will advance to the playoffs.

The Lady ’Canes have section games with Ellwood City (1-10, 6-15) and Blackhawk (9-1, 16-2), while the Lady Bridgers still have to play Hopewell (8-2, 15-3) and West Allegheny (2-9, 5-13).