By Ron Poniewasz Jr.
New Castle News

Things were going well for the Neshannock High boys basketball team Saturday.

But the last four minutes weren't as productive for the visiting Lancers.

Neshannock was outscored by 19 points over the last 3:54 in a 78-54 loss to Beaver Falls in nonsection action.

The Tigers (10-1) are ranked No. 1 in the WPIAL in Class AAA by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Lancers (8-2) trailed just 57-52 heading into that pivotal stretch.

"Overall, I felt pretty good about it up until the last 3:54," Neshannock coach John Corey said of Saturday's contest. "We just didn't do a good enough job converting layups and shots in the paint.

"Beaver Falls played really well down the stretch. For much of that game, I loved the fight that we brought to them. We just need to play a little more efficient."

The Lancers carried a 32-29 lead into halftime, but they were outscored 22-9 in the third period.

"Defensively, we played really well in the first quarter," Corey said. "We got Donovan Jeter and Josh Creach in foul trouble by taking charges on them. We took three total charges in the first quarter; things were looking pretty good for us.

"But we missed a ton of easy opportunities in the first half. With the two big kids that were out, going in at halftime up three you felt it should have been 12 or 15 if we played efficient enough. We failed to maximize those chances. They came out full strength in the second half and we struggled to put the ball in the hoop."

Ethan Moose netted 18 points to lead the Lancers. He added nine rebounds and three assists as well. Jake Rylott and Ean Oprean chipped in with 11 markers apiece. Oprean snared six boards as well.

Jake Swope supplied 10 tallies and six caroms for the guests.

Jeter tossed in a game-high 22 points for Beaver Falls.