Andy Close
RUSSELL, Pa. – Homecourt advantage has been critical in Region 2 all season and was so again on Tuesday as Eisenhower knocked off Saegertown, 43-40.
The win ended a 2-game skid for the Knights (11-9 overall, 8-4 Region 2) after they had won four straight, including wins against Maplewood and Cambridge Springs. Eisenhower also put an end to Saegertown’s 7-game win streak. The Panthers (16-5, 11-2) hadn’t lost since dropping a 65-49 decision to Jamestown (Pa.) on Jan. 22.
Home-cooking has been a theme for the Knights this season as they have just one home loss (Erie First Christian) this year and only three wins away from their home court (two true road games, Iroquois and Kane, and one neutral site, Portville Central (N.Y.) at Otto-Eldred).
Wyatt Lookenhouse had a big game for Eisenhower in the win with 16 points, while Curt Darling added nine and Kael Hunt seven.
Jaden Wilkins had 15 points for Saegertown and Brady Greco nine.
Eisenhower moved back into a tie for third in the Region 2 standings. Saegertown is first at 11-2, followed by Cambridge Springs (10-3), Eisenhower and Cochranton are both 8-4, while Union City is right behind at 8-5.
The Panthers were looking to claim the Region 2 title outright but will have to wait to do so after this loss coupled with Cambridge Springs’ win Tuesday.
The Knights will be right back at it tonight when they travel cross-county to Youngsville for the second game of the Backyard Brawl. Eisenhower won the first meeting between the teams on Feb. 8.
Eisenhower, Youngsville and Warren basketball coverage is sponsored by Ellwood National Forge.
