David Bertoline’s, Marple Newtown, basket just before the buzzer lifted Marple Newtown to a 45-43 victory over Conestoga Jan. 23. A dismal performance at the foul line plagued the Pioneers but still battled back from a 9-0 deficit to pull even at 43 on Ben Robinson’s free throw with 25 seconds remaining.

However, a comeback became even more difficult when Rowan Miller fouled out in the fourth quarter. He left with 6 points, 5 assists and 3 steals. Robinson led the Pioneers with 14 points while Cory Hogan stepped up with 12 points and 6 rebounds.

“Give them credit,” said coach Sean Forcine. “They beat us on the boards and we need to win the rebound battle in order to be successful. No game in this league is a gimme.”

Despite the loss, Conestoga remain in a second-place tie in the Central League standings.  

The Pioneers are back at home on Thursday, Jan 25th with early start times, where Freshman and JV battle at 3:45 and Varsity takes the court at 5:15 against rival Haverford High School. Thursday is also the rescheduled Paoli Wildcat night, where all youth spectators are free.