North Allegheny traveled to Butler High School to take on the Golden Tornado in each team’s Section 1-6A opener. It was the Tigers that got off on the right foot in section play defeating Butler 66-56 on Friday night.

In a gym that NA historic has struggled in offensively, the Tigers got off to a great start hitting five three-pointers in the first quarter and led 18-12. Carter Melzer took over the second quarter scoring eight of his points in that frame and North Allegheny led 39-26 at halftime.

Butler played more desperate defensively in the second half but the Tigers went bucket for bucket with the Golden Tornado in the third quarter to lead 55-43 going into the final frame. With North Allegheny leading late into the fourth quarter, Butler was forced to foul. The Tigers hit six of eight free throws down the stretch to put the game away and leave Butler with a 66-56 victory. It was North Allegheny’s first win at Butler since January 22, 2021.

Melzer led NA with 23 points in the game. Peter Bratich had 11 points while Jon Jubeck added 10 points.

North Allegheny improves to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in Section 1-6A. Butler falls to 5-1 and 0-1 in the section. The Tigers return to action on Tuesday when they are back at UPMC Court to take on Seneca Valley at 7:30 p.m. This game will be broadcasted on the North Allegheny Sports Network.

Boys Basketball vs. Butler, 12-13-24