The Mahanoy Area Golden Bears met the Tri-Valley Bulldogs on Wednesday night in the District XI Class 2A Boys Basketball Semifinal.
The encounter marked the third meeting between the two teams this season, with Mahanoy Area clinching victories in the previous encounters. However, Tri-Valley appeared to have taken notes during those first games because the Bears faced a very different team this time.
The game began with Tri-Valley seizing an early 5-2 advantage, swiftly extending it to 10-2. Despite the Bulldogs' strong start, Mahanoy Area gradually found their rhythm, narrowing the deficit to 10-7 with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter. As the quarter drew to a close, Tri-Valley maintained a slender lead, heading into the break with a 14-11 advantage.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the second quarter, with Tri-Valley holding onto their lead. However,
The game began with Tri-Valley seizing an early 5-2 advantage, swiftly extending it to 10-2. Despite the Bulldogs' strong start, Mahanoy Area gradually found their rhythm, narrowing the deficit to 10-7 with 2:30 remaining in the first quarter. As the quarter drew to a close, Tri-Valley maintained a slender lead, heading into the break with a 14-11 advantage.
The back-and-forth battle continued into the second quarter, with Tri-Valley holding onto their lead. However,
Mahanoy Area took the lead, edging ahead 18-16 with 3:15 left on the clock. The Bulldogs swiftly countered, reclaiming the lead at 19-18 with just over three minutes remaining in the half. The intensity escalated as the teams traded baskets, ultimately heading into halftime with Mahanoy Area in front, leading 27-20.
The third quarter witnessed a relentless back-and-forth with neither side willing to yield.
The third quarter witnessed a relentless back-and-forth with neither side willing to yield.
Mahanoy Area maintained their composure, entering the final quarter with a narrow 52-49 lead.
Mahanoy Area would pull away in the closing minutes to secure a commanding 64-49 victory over Tri-Valley.
Mahanoy Area would pull away in the closing minutes to secure a commanding 64-49 victory over Tri-Valley.
With the win, Mahanoy Area extends their undefeated streak and advances to the District XI Class 2A Championship.
Their next challenge awaits them in the form of a familiar rival, Marian Catholic, scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Martz Hall in Pottsville. Meanwhile, Tri-Valley, despite the loss, will regroup to face Schuylkill Haven in a consolation game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., also at Martz Hall.
Their next challenge awaits them in the form of a familiar rival, Marian Catholic, scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at Martz Hall in Pottsville. Meanwhile, Tri-Valley, despite the loss, will regroup to face Schuylkill Haven in a consolation game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m., also at Martz Hall.
