Shenango started strong, but it wasn’t enough in a 59-55 Section 1-AA loss to visiting New Brighton.

The Wildcats (4-7, 9-8) outscored the Lions (4-7, 7-10) 35-20 heading into the break, but fell apart and found themselves on the wrong side of a 39-20 second half.

“They came out with the hot hand and we didn’t answer,” Shenango coach Bob McQuiston said. “We showed a lot of energy, a lot of patience on offense in the first half. The second half, we were shooting the ball too quick. They hit some threes, we didn’t get out on their shooters as well.”

Ryan Smith led all scorers with 31 points, including five 3-pointers. James Micco tossed in 14 points for the Wildcats.

Shenango now finds itself three games out of the final playoff spot in Section 1-AA after Riverside’s 66-60 overtime win over Neshannock.

The Wildcats now need to win the rest of their section games and have Riverside lose its last three to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The two sides meet for the second time Tuesday.

“It’s disappointing,” McQuiston said. “We were still in the playoff hunt. We controlled our own destiny, but now we need some help. That’s a tough game to take. After a good game on Friday night (against Laurel), we had those highs on Friday and some lows tonight.

“We just have to go to the drawing board. We have to bounce back, keep playing and hopefully get some help to get into the playoffs.”