Brian Hagberg
PATTON, Pa. – Eisenhower turned a 2-point halftime advantage into an 8-point lead going into the fourth quarter and held off Northern Cambria for a 46-39 win in their PIAA Class 2A first-round game.
The win was the first PIAA Tournament win in program history for the Knights, according to PIAA records.
Eisenhower (21-5) held a 15-9 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Northern Cambria (17-9) limited the Knights to just four second-quarter points to trim the lead to 19-17 at the half.
Casey Seymour and Kris Bunk combined to score nine of Eisenhower’s third-quarter points as the Knights pushed their lead to 33-25 heading into the fourth.
Despite Northern Cambria knocking down four 3-pointers in the final eight minutes, the Knights hit four field goals of their own and did enough from the free throw line to secure the victory.
Caleb Dolny and Parker Shutty led Northern Cambria with 12 points each.
Austin Hanson led the Knights with 12 points. Bunk had 10 points, eight in the second half, and Kyler Black added nine points.
Eisenhower will face WPIAL champion Aliquippa, a 56-27 winner over Otto-Eldred, in the second round. Quips star Cameron Lindsey will miss the game after picking up a pair of technical fouls in their first-round win.
The time and location for Wednesday’s second-round matchup will be announced on Sunday.
