News

The Pine-Richland boys basketball team knew they needed to play their best to come away with a win at Butler on Tuesday night. The Rams exceeded their expectations, knocking off the Golden Tornado for the second time this season, 95-76.

Pine-Richland beat Butler 79-74 at home on Jan. 8 despite a 51-point effort from junior Ethan Morton. The Rams now hold a two-game lead over the Golden Tornado with two section games to go.

On Tuesday, the Rams racked up the points from beyond the arc, registering 16 3-pointers.

The Rams played with the lead after opening up a 21-11 lead after the first quarter and 44-32 lead at halftime.

Pine-Richland had five players in double figures, led by senior Dan Petcash with 28 points and five 3-pointers. Senior Greg Shulkosky finished with 22 points and three 3-pointers. Junio Kyle Polce had 14 points and three 3-pointers. Junior Patrick Shanahan and senior Colin Luellen added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

For Butler, Morton finished with 20 points. Junior Mason Montag added 19 points and five 3-pointers off the bench. Freshman Devin Carney chipped in with 15 points.

The win improves Pine-Richland to 16-2 overall and 8-0 in the Section 1-6A. The Rams will go for their 16th straight win and section title on Friday when they travel to North Hills at 7:30 p.m.

Butler drops 13-4 overall and 6-2 in the section. The Golden Tornado will travel to Central Catholic on Friday at 7:30 p.m.