PHOTOS: Wolverines Stave Off Furious Comeback, Defeat Panthers In Rivalry Rematch

Broc Boariu scored 17 points to lead Ellwood City to a 63-54 victory over Riverside on Friday. Ellwood City Wolverines grabbed a second quarter lead that ballooned to as many as 21 points in the third quarter, but had to withstand a furious Riverside comeback to hold on to its victory.

The victory for the Wolverine boys club completed a season sweep in the ‘RivEll’ game and also clinched a playoff spot for the second consecutive year.

Boariu started hot early, connecting on three 3-pointers in the first frame on his way to a game high point total. Boariu had a great game from the field, making 60% (6-for-10) of shots attempted and a strong game on the boards, finishing with 9 rebounds.

Riverside was able to climb back as close as five points (59-54) after Ben Hughes connected on a two point shot late in the fourth quarter, but some key offensive rebounds off missed free throws helped Ellwood City seal the victory with eventual made free throws.

Austin Dambach and Gunner Boehm both scored team high 16 points for the Panthers in defeat.  Dambach also collected 12 rebounds and six steals in the contest.

Wolverine Andrew O’Brien put up 2 points, three rebounds and one steal while fellow senior Sean Busby hit double digits, scoring 16 points for Lincoln (5-for-10). Anthony Roth (15 points) and Pitrelli (13 points) each contributed multiple three-pointers. Busby was a big defensive contributor as well, racking up 10 rebounds and two blocks.

Ellwood City finished the game with 36 rebounds (8 offensive / 28 defensive), three blocks and three steals.  The Panthers were powered by 17 offensive rebounds but were held to 33% shooting in the contest.

The Wolverines (4-3 Section 1-3A, 12-6 overall) next travels to Mohawk on Tuesday for section play with the Panthers (8-7 overall) will host New Brighton on Tuesday.

*photos provided by Next Level Photography