Mt. Lebanon Knocks USC Off ranks of unbeatens, takes sole possession of first place
Heading into Tuesday night’s showdown, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair both had an unblemished conference record. For the Panthers, they could say that about their overall record as well. Not anymore.
After a close game throughout, Mt. Lebanon took control of the fourth quarter to come away with a 56-46 Section 2-6A win at Upper St. Clair.
The Panthers were last undefeated team in Class 6A in the WPIAL.
Leading 35-34 entering the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils outscored the Panthers 21-12 to take control of the game and the section.
Mt. Lebanon was very efficient on the night, making 18 of 32 (56 percent) shots and 8 of 17 (47 percent) from 3-point range. Upper St. Clair shot 3 of 12 (25 percent) from 3-point range.
Senior Hayden Mitchell and junior Blaine Gartley led Mt. Lebanon with 14 points apiece. Senior Sean Loughran finished with 13 points.
Senior Tanner Gensler led Upper St. Clair with 15 points, including eight in the first quarter. On the season Gensler is averaging 21 points per game. Sophomore Luke Gensler finished with 13 points.
With the win, Mt. Lebanon improves to 13-2 overall and 5-0 in the section. The Blue Devils will seek their seventh straight win on Saturday when they host Chartiers Valley in a non-section game at 7:30 p.m.
Upper St. Clair drops to 13-1 overall and 4-1 in the section. The Panthers will host City League powerhouse Allderdice tonight at 7:30 p.m.