Moon Tigers Unleash Second-Half Fury to Secure Dominant Victory Over West Allegheny

The top-ranked Moon Tigers boys' basketball team once again showcased their formidable prowess, pulling away from a resilient West Allegheny squad with an explosive second-half performance to clinch a commanding 71-52 victory. While the scoreboard reflects a decisive win for the Class 5A Section 4-leading Tigers, the initial stages of the contest promised a much tighter battle.

For the first two quarters, West Allegheny fought valiantly, matching Moon's intensity and staying within striking distance.

The Tigers, however, managed to carve out a modest 33-25 lead by halftime, a testament to their steady offensive execution and defensive pressure. Yet, it was the third quarter where Moon truly asserted its dominance, transforming a competitive game into a one-sided affair.

The Tigers exploded out of the locker room for the second half, unleashing an offensive barrage that West Allegheny struggled to contain.

Moon outscored their opponents by a remarkable 21-12 in the third frame, systematically extending their lead. By the time the buzzer sounded to end the third quarter, Moon had built an insurmountable 54-37 advantage, effectively sealing the game.

Moon's victory was a collective effort, highlighted by several standout performances.

Junior guard Aiden Rees led the charge with an impressive 21 points, showcasing his scoring ability and clutch playmaking. Not far behind was Elijah Guillory, who delivered a powerful double-double with 18 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, demonstrating his dominance on both ends of the court. Guard Michael Santicola also proved instrumental, contributing 16 points and dishing out 7 assists, orchestrating much of Moon's efficient offense.

Despite the eventual deficit, West Allegheny exhibited flashes of brilliance and determination.

Cameron Cramer paced the Indians with 14 points, while Brady Miller added 10 points in a spirited effort against the top-ranked Tigers. West Allegheny coach Dan Bates commended his team's fight, especially in the first half.

With this win, Coach Gino Palmosina's Moon Tigers improved their stellar record to 13-2 overall and maintained a perfect 5-0 in section play, solidifying their position atop the Class 5A Section 4 standings.

Their journey continues with an anticipated matchup against South Fayette. West Allegheny, now standing at 8-8 overall and 2-3 in section play, will look to bounce back in their next game on the road against Chartiers Valley.