PHOTOS: Riverside 3rd Quarter Surge Leads To Rivalry Victory

Riverside used a third quarter surge to pull away to its 59-47 rivalry victory over Ellwood City on Friday. The victory capped a season sweep for the Panthers in the two- game Riv-Ell series.

After a quick six point surge to start the third frame, Ellwood City responded to cut what had become a seven point lead down to a single possession. But after a Broc Boariu’s free throw cut the lead to 28-25 midway thru the quarter, Riverside clamped down defensively and held the Wolverines scoreless for the remainder of the third quarter. The Panthers went on a 15-0 run before a Boariu 3-pointer early in the final frame stopped the surge.

Boariu score 11 of his game-high 26 points in the final frame as the Wolverines attempted to claw back into the contest. Milo Sesti connected from deep to cut the defect to eight points, but Kevin Kolesar and Brian MacMurdo each sank two free throws late to seal the Riverside victory. The Panther duo combined for 13 points in the 4th quarter.

Three Panthers (10-11 overall, 4-8 Section 3A-1) reached double figures led by MacMurdo’s team-high 16 points. (3-6 FG, 10-12 FT). Kolesar (15 points, 10 rebounds) and Ben Hughes (12 points, 7 rebounds) also posted strong games in the victory.

In a game of contrasting offensive style, Riverside attempted 34 free throws and only five 3-point attempts while the host Wolverines attempted 27 3-pointers and only four free throws in the contest. Racking up 24 fouls in total, Ellwood City played a physical game.

Boariu finished with a season-high seven 3-pointers in the contest (9-for-14 FGs, 8 rebounds) to lead the Wolverines. Also contributing for Ellwood City were Steve Antuono (6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals), and senior Ricky Pitrelli (5 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal).

The Wolverines now fall to 6-15 overall (2-10 Section) on the season while the Panthers move to 10-11 overall (4-8 Section). Both teams have been eliminated from playoffs, as 3A Section 1 will be represented by Lincoln Park, Aliquippa, Neshannock, and Beaver Falls in the playoffs.

Next up for Ellwood City is their season finale, as they travel to Cardinal Mooney HS in Ohio on Tuesday.

Prior to the game, and in addition to senior night recognitions, a joint tribute to the late Kait Francis was held by both teams, cheerleaders, and fans in attendance. [READ MORE]