JEFFERSON TWP — Coming off a season-low 46 points in a loss to Armstrong last Saturday, Knoch’s boys basketball team was looking to get back on track offensively.

Hitting 63% of their shots (26 of 41), the Knights accomplished that Tuesday night. Getting back in the win column, however, eluded them.

Knoch’s Jackson Bauman celebrates after a turnover against Kiski during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Kiski Area received a game-high 28 points from senior guard Isaiah Gonzalez, the final two coming on a basket that put the visiting Cavaliers up 77-76 with 19 seconds left in overtime. The slim lead held up in a non-section game that felt more like a section showdown with much at stake thanks to a raucous crowd.

Knoch’s Zane Pacek takes the ball to the hoop past Kiski’s Owen Pearson during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Thursday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

“We knew we’d be coming into a hostile environment,” said Kiski coach Corey Smith. “We tried to duplicate the noise in practice.”

Knoch’s Jackson Bauman passes the ball as he was guarded by Kiski’s Amaree Gonzalez during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Knoch’s final possession ended with Derek Lang attempting a 3-pointer from the corner. The shot was short, not even reaching the rim as time expired. Lang, who had fallen to the court after contact from a Kiski player, was surprised to see no foul called.

Knoch’s Derek Lang celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer and getting fouled against Kiski during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

“Derek had been in rhythm with his shooting and it was a good look,” said Knoch coach Alan Bauman. “I thought he was fouled.”

Knoch’s Teegan Finucan shoots a three pointer against Kiski during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Lang had given the Knights (11-5) a 74-73 lead when he drained a trey and made a subsequent free throw with 2:18 left in the extra period. Gonzalez made a basket 18 seconds later, but Jackson Bauman answered with two free throws for a 76-75 Knoch lead with 29 seconds remaining.

Knoch’s Derek Lang looks to get out of pressure from Kiski’s Jacob Mussleman during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

The Cavaliers (11-5) shot very well themselves, making 60 percent (32 of 53) of their shots from the floor. Gonzalez had himself a night driving to the basket. Teammate Colin Keller drained all five of his team’s 3-pointers and finished with 19 points.

Knoch’s Kaden Spencer (22) and Zane Pacek look to block a shot from Kiski’s Isaiah Gonzalez during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

“They’ve been our main two guys all season,” said Smith. “We’ve counted on them to make shots to win games for us.”

Knoch’s Zane Pacek, right, and Kaden Spencer celebrate a basket against Kiski during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Coach Bauman was pleased to see his offense play a more diversified style.

“On Saturday, we took 28 three-pointers,” he said. “I wanted to see us get more ball movement and involve Zane (Pacek, sophomore center) more. I think we did that tonight.”

Knoch's Zane Pacek blocks a shot from Kiski’s Terry Martin during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Pacek finished with 14 points. Jackson Bauman paced the Knights with 25 points and Teegan Finucan netted 19.

Both teams had a chance to win the game late in regulation. With the score tied at 70, Kiski’s Amaree Gonzalez drove to the hoop before being whistled for a player-control foul, drawn by Lang, with 1.8 seconds left.

Knoch’s Teegan Finucan celebrates after hitting a three pointer against Kiski during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Bauman’s desperation shot as time expired was off the mark, forcing overtime.

The Knights now face five straight section games, beginning with Friday’s contest at home vs. Freeport.

Knoch’s bench disagrees with a call during a game against Kiski on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

“Even though we lost tonight, we got what we needed,” said Coach Bauman. “I wanted us to get ready for section play and we are. Kiski is a Class 5A playoff team.”

Knoch boys basketball coach Alan Bauman is fired up during a game against Kiski on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Knoch’s Teegan Finucan fights for a loose ball with Kiski’s Isaiah Gonzalez during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

Knoch’s Jackson Bauman takes the ball past Kiski’s Carson Heinle during a non-section game at Knoch High School on Tuesday January 23, 2024. (Justin Guido/Special to the Eagle)

KISKI AREA 77

Isaiah Gonzalez 12 4-8 28, Terry Martin 4 0-0 8, Colin Keller 6 2-3 19, Carson Heinle 7 1-3 15, Owen Pearson 3 1-2 7. Totals: 32 8-16 77.

KNOCH 76

Jackson Bauman 7 7-9 25, Teegan Finucan 6 3-3 19, Zarian Finucan 1 0-0 2, Derek Lang 6 1-1 16, Zane Pacek 6 2-4 14, Kaden Spencer 0 0-0 0, Jackson McCool 0 0-0 0, Vincent DeFelice 0 0-0 0, Zach Szebalskie 0 0-0 0. Totals: 26 13-17 76.

Kiski Area 12 14 18 26 7 — 77

Knoch 12 18 16 24 6 — 76

3-point goals: Kiski Area 5 (Keller 5); Knoch 11 (Bauman 4, T.Finucan 4, Lang 3).

Friday: Freeport at Knoch