READING - Trailing by 10 early in the third quarter and with its season beginning to slip away, Pottsville stuck with its game plan.
In just two minutes, the Crimson Tide nearly completely erased Susquehanna Township's lead.
The go-ahead score never came for Pottsville.
Susquehanna Township's sibling duo of Gabe and Bud Mack helped the Indians close out a 52-45 victory over the Tide in the second round of the PIAA Class AAA boys' basketball state tournament Tuesday night at the Geigle Complex, ending Pottsville's successful postseason run.
The District 3 champion Tribe (21-7) advance to face Lancaster Mennonite, a 68-64 winner over Chartiers Valley, in Friday's state quarterfinals.
Pottsville (24-6) refused to fade quietly into the warming March air even after falling behind by 10 to start the second half.
The Tide played their hallmark stingy man-to-man defense, containing the Tribe throughout. Offensively, shots weren't finding their way through the twine in the early going as Pottsville hit just 4-of-22 from the field in the first half.
Something clicked early in the third quarter, though, as the Tide used an 11-2 run to pull within a point at 26-25.
"I was really proud of the way we just continued to believe in our game plan the entire time," Pottsville coach Dave Mullaney said. "First half, we had some open looks that didn't fall. We knew if we just stuck with the game plan and defensive rebounding. That was so crucial to us, and our kids did an absolutely great job. We knew some shots would fall late."
Pottsville had several open looks draw iron in the fourth quarter and harmlessly bounce into the hands of Susquehanna Township rebounders to stifle the Tide's late runs.
"I knew Pottsville was sol-
id," Hanna coach Vince Rogers said. "Their record speaks for itself. I knew they were going to be ready.
"They were physical and strong. They battled. They battled with us. Those kids don't have anything to hang their heads down on."
Eli Nabholz delivered another huge performance for the Tide, finishing with a team-high 21 points and six rebounds. Nabholz had some success in the post, then moved outside and drained four 3-pointers to help Pottsville's comeback bid.
Defensively, Nabholz had to contend with 6-foot-6 center Quintin Ward, while the Tide's guards were busy trying to deal with both Macks on the perimeter and driving to the rim.
"Eli ⦠he's played so big for us down the stretch," Mullaney said. "His ability to score inside and out is such a difficult guard for people. We probably don't give him enough credit on the defensive end. He does a great job on that end. He's grown so much in that regard. Obviously, his rebounding has been tremendous all year."
The Macks proved to be the difference, especially down the stretch.
Bud Mack finished with a game-high 22 points, knocking down 6-of-8 from the charity stripe in the fourth quarter. Gabe Mack added 11 points, with all 11 coming in the final stanza.
"I really believe that it was (numbers) 3 and 4 (Bud and Gabe Mack)," Mullaney said. "They're great players and their ability to make tough shots. I was really proud of our defensive effort. We forced them to take shots, but they're that good. They made them."
Travis Blankenhorn added 15 points for Pottsville, which loses just one senior - reserve forward John Toomey - to graduation.
"John symbolizes everything that we want from a Pottsville basketball player," Mullaney said. "I think the best compliment that I can give him is he's just as good a teammate as I've ever been around. We will miss him a lot."
The Crimson Tide return all five starters next season. The first victory in states since 1974 and a fifth straight Schuylkill League Division I title are certainly steps to build on for 2014-15.
"I think tonight, obviously we're disappointed with the loss, but we definitely showed that we belong with the top teams in the state," Mullaney said. "I think our guys, with some of the teams that we played down the stretch, it's really going to carry over to the next year."