Wilkes-Barre Area scored five of the game’s final six points Wednesday night to finish off a 55-50, non-league boys victory over visiting Wallenpaupack in the only basketball game played in District 2.
The Buckhorns (7-5) scored the first two points of the fourth quarter to take their last lead, 40-39.
Jordany Rodriguez worked inside for four points in a 6-2 burst that put Wilkes-Barre Area ahead to stay and a balanced Wolfpack attack closed out the victory.
Wilkes-Barre Area was 8-for-10 from the line in the fourth quarter and 16-for-20 in the game.
Rodriguez made two free throws after grabbing an offensive rebound to create a 45-42 lead. Brandon Benjamin and Vincent Garrett also went 2-for-2 in the fourth quarter.
David Jannuzzi and Waarithi Oseni led Wilkes-Barre Area with 12 points each while Benjamin added 10.
Wallenpaupack’s Jake Holbert had a game-high 24 points, including 16 in the first half. Justin Blanding scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half and finished 11-for-12 from the line.
The game was close throughout.
Wilkes-Barre Area led, 11-9, after one quarter.
Jannuzzi hit three 3-pointers in the second quarter, but Holbert still helped Wallenpaupack to a 26-24 halftime lead.
Wilkes-Barre Area took a 39-38 lead into the fourth quarter.
Oseni’s three-point play for a 50-45 lead was the first time either team led by that much in the fourth quarter.
The Buckhorns got back within 50-49 before being turned away.
