Knights Outlast Mustangs in Overtime to Secure First State Playoff Berth Since 2010

ERIE, Pa. – Eisenhower survived Braden Balaski’s buzzer-beater to send the game to overtime, earning a 58-55 overtime win over the Mustangs and securing a spot in the Class 2A state tournament.

It’s the Knights’ first trip to the state playoffs since 2010.

Mercer (20-5) led 58-55 after regulation, with Eisenhower (20-5) rallying, outscoring the Mustangs 17-14 in the third quarter and 13-10 in the fourth quarter.

Freshman Austin Hanson had a big game in the win for Eisenhower, scoring a team-high 20 points, while Kyler Black had 14 and Gavin Lindemuth nine.

Cole Cunningham had 23 points and Dae Mattocks 14 for Mercer.

With the win, Eisenhower will play at District 6 runner-up Northern Cambria in the first round of the state tournament on Saturday, March 9.

*Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly listed the Knights’ last trip to the PIAA Tournament as 2004. Eisenhower last went to the PIAA Tournament in 2010.