Conestoga’s run in the Central League playoffs was a short one despite an amazing fourth-quarter rally that couldn’t overcome Marple Newtown’s incredible three-point barrage.

Trailing by 21 points, the Pioneers charged back to get within a basket before falling 64-60. Conestoga will be idle until taking its 17-6 record into the district playoffs begin next week.

Juniors Rowan Miller, Cory Hogan and Shane O’Brien combined for 49 points, 15 rebounds and 6 steals. Miller had 20, 6 and 2 while Hogan collected 16, 6 and 3. O’Brien had 13 points and 3 rebounds. Senior Ben Robinson contributed 9 points and 5 rebounds.

The game marked the return to action of 6-3 senior Sam Gibbs, who had been sidelined two weeks with a leg injury.

“It’s tough to come back from that far but our guys gave everything they possible could,” said coach Sean Forcine. “Still with all that effort, sometimes it just doesn’t go your way.

“They had a lot of open three-point shots because we adjusted our defensive strategy on Gardler and it came back to bite us. He made the right reads and found the right players.”