In a thrilling Heritage Conference semifinal, the Portage Mustangs showcased their resilience and teamwork, overcoming a late-game tie to secure a 64-47 victory against Homer-Center. The Mustangs’ senior leadership proved pivotal as they outscored their opponents 19-2 in the final minutes, setting the stage for a championship showdown.
Key Takeaways
- Portage Mustangs secured a 64-47 victory over Homer-Center in the Heritage Conference semifinals.
- The game was tied at 45 with just over six minutes remaining before the Mustangs surged ahead.
- Senior leadership played a crucial role in the Mustangs’ performance, particularly in the fourth quarter.
- Portage will face West Shamokin in the conference championship on Friday.
Game Overview
The Mustangs, led by veteran coach Travis Kargo, entered the game with a strong record of 16-5. The match was tightly contested, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the first three quarters. Portage initially struggled offensively, trailing 13-11 at the end of the first quarter.
As the game progressed, the Mustangs found their rhythm, taking a brief lead before heading into halftime down 28-26. The third quarter saw Portage rally, outscoring Homer-Center 19-12, and entering the final quarter with a 45-40 advantage.
Fourth Quarter Surge
The fourth quarter proved to be a turning point for the Mustangs. After Homer-Center quickly tied the game at 45, Portage responded with an impressive defensive effort. They held their opponents to just one field goal in the final six minutes, forcing four turnovers that led to easy transition points.
- Key Performers:
- Bode Layo: 18 points
- Trae Kargo: 16 points
- Owen Gouse: 11 points
Portage’s defense was instrumental in their success, as they locked in and made crucial stops. Trae Kargo emphasized the team’s collective effort, stating, "We really came together at the end. All of us put all of our energy towards the last six minutes. We just did what we had to do to come out with a win."
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Mustangs advance to the conference championship, where they will face West Shamokin, who defeated Conemaugh Township 59-46 in their semifinal match. This will be Portage’s second appearance in the conference title game since joining the Heritage Conference three years ago, having previously lost to United in 2023.
Coach Kargo expressed confidence in his team’s ability to perform under pressure, stating, "They knew they were going to be challenged. We expected a tough game coming in. Especially during that fourth quarter, we knew we had to grow up or go home. We definitely chose to grow up."
As the Mustangs prepare for the championship game, they are focused on maintaining their momentum and executing their game plan. Trae Kargo remarked, "It’s a great opportunity to get there and play. We’ve been looking forward to it all year, and now it’s time to go out and get the job done."
Sources
- Veteran Mustangs give all-out effort in victory | News, Sports, Jobs – Altoona Mirror, altoonamirror.com.
