In a matter of 26 seconds, a six-point game late in the fourth period became a double-digit lead for Pottsville.

The Crimson rode that spurt to a 51-39 Schuylkill League victory over Panther Valley Thursday night.

Leading 40-34 with just over two minutes remaining, Pottsville got back-to-back three-pointers from Kole Becker and Christian Alzarez to expand its advantage to 46-34. The Tide then converted five of seven free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Pottsville’s late surge withstanding, Panther Valley coach Patrick Crampsie said the game wasn’t lost in the final minutes.

“We’re too experienced to lose like this,” said Crampsie. “The kids have to take ownership. We can’t coach energy or enthusiasm.”

The game began with the Tide missing their first 10 shots from the field, and not scoring a basket until Alzarez netted a jump shot with 2:20 remaining in the first period.

Despite the visitors’ poor shooting, the Panthers weren’t able to fully take advantage, as they struggled from the floor as well, making just three of their first 15 shots.

The Tide finally started finding the range in the second quarter, scoring the first 10 points of the period as they dominated both the offensive and defensive backboards.

Meanwhile, PV could only muster two field goals in the quarter. Both came from Chase Weaver, as he drilled a three-pointer and hit a running one-hander from in the lane.

As Pottsville kicked its game into gear, Crampsie wasn’t pleased with his team’s effort despite the score staying within six points for most of the second half.

“We didn’t play with energy or urgency,” said Crampsie. “We took no advantage of their slow start and throughout the game, I thought Pottsville was more physical than us.”

The game was still up for grabs at the start of the fourth with the Panthers trailing just 31-27.

At the 6:40 mark, PV’s Thomas Buyce nailed a three-ball to cut Pottsville’s lead to 33-31, but that would be the closest the home team would get as the Tide outscored the Panthers, 18-8, the rest of the contest.

“I thought Thomas played a very nice game for us,” said Crampsie. “He works hard at practice to improve his skills and whether he plays two minutes or most of the game, he gives 100% every time he’s on the floor.”

Weaver led the Panthers (5-4) in scoring with 16 points, and Buyce added 12.

For Pottsville (7-5), Alzarez dropped in a game-high 18 points.

LONG BALLS … The teams combined for 10 three-pointers - six by Panther Valley and four by Pottsville.

NAIL BITER … The JV game was won by Pottsville, 47-45.

BUSY STRETCH AHEAD … The Panthers play four games in the next nine days, beginning with a home game against Weatherly tomorrow night, and ending with a Saturday contest against Jim Thorpe on Saturday, Jan. 13.

POTTSVILLE

Alzarez 4-9-11-18, Oswald 4-2-3-10, Montone 3-2-6-9, Becker 3-0-0-8, Watkins 3-0-0-6. TOTALS: 17-13-20-51.

PANTHER VALLEY

Weaver 5-4-4-16, Buyce 4-1-2-12, Penberth 0-4-4-4, Hood 2-0-3-4, Kokinda 1-0-0-3, Fisher 0-0-0-0, Jones 0-0-0-0, Breiner 0-0-0-0, Black 0-0-0-0, Maynard 0-0-0-0, Goida 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 12-9-15-39.

Pottsville 6 15 10 20 - 51

Panther Valley 10 7 10 12 - 39

Three-pointers: Pottsville - Becker 2, Montone 1, Alzarez 1; Panther Valley - Buyce 3, Weaver 2, Kokinda 1.