USC Books First Trip to WPIAL Championship since 2005

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It was a big hurdle the top-seeded Upper St Clair boys basketball team had to leap over to return to the WPIAL championship for the first time since 2005.

Facing No. 5 Butler (12-9), a team they lost to twice in last year’s playoffs, the Panthers (19-1) were able to seek revenge with a 70-62 win on their home court.

USC trailed 18-15 after one quarter, but went on a 14-2 run in the second to go into halftime with a 38-29 lead.

The Panthers would not find themselves trailing in the second half, making big plays when Butler would cut it close.

USC was led by senior Luke Gensler with 23 points. Seniors Luke Banbury and Dave Pantelis finished with 17 and 12 points, respectively.

The Panthers will face No. 6 Pine-Richland on Friday in the Championship Game at Peters Township’s AHN Arena. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.