FRANKLIN, Pa. (EYT) — Joe Riley’s game-winning three-pointer with three seconds remaining broke shorthanded Franklin’s heart Friday night as visiting Fort Leboeuf pulled out a 32-31 victory in the opening round of the District 10 Class 4A playoffs.

Riley’s winning trey came just moments after Ian Haynes deflected a pass off John Wasiulewski forcing a Fort Leboeuf turnover and making the Bison foul trailing 30-29 with 16 seconds remaining.

The game’s leading scorer Tyus Wood (19 points) hit one of two free-throws that extended the Knights lead to 31-29.

Following a timeout, Riley was left open in the corner and hit the game-winner.

Franklin, which had no timeouts left and was playing with its top two scorers (Preston Morgan and Brandon Johnson) while dressing only seven players, tried to rush down the court but could not get a shot off.

“Our kids just freaking gutted it out,” said Franklin head coach Jason Fulmer. “I wasn’t sure on Wednesday if we were going to be able even to dress five players.”

Things looked good for the Knights after a quarter as they held a 10-9 lead.

But things went south real quick as Franklin was white-washed in the second quarter, outscored by the Bison 12-0 allowing Fort LeBoeuf to take a 21-10 lead into the locker room.

The run grew to 15-0 in the third quarter until Wood’s layup 1:20 into the second half ended it bringing Franklin within 12, 24-12.

“We never packed it in, even at halftime when we were down 11,” said Fulmer. “That wasn’t too far off our plan. We said if it were a 16-10 game at the half, we’d have a shot.”

Wood went on to score 11 in the quarter and pulled Franklin to within four as hit 2 of 3 free throws to end the third quarter that saw the Knights get themselves back into the game trailing by four, 26-22.

“He played phenomenally,” Fulmer said. “Tyus at the beginning of the year was trying to find his role. He’s had a phenomenal season and did an unbelievable job playing 32 minutes with no rest. He still had his shot and was able to knock down some clutch shots for us down the stretch, and I’m glad to have him back next year.

“These kids just battled and fought. They became more patient and let shots drop in the seconds half. They absolutely grinded it out. I thought the guys did so well with their composure and will to win. It was all the credit to the kids for getting themselves back into the game.”

Two field goals, by Zane Baughman and Wood, helped to tie the game at 26 before Riley put Fort LeBoeuf back in front with a trey at the 4:34 mark.

But Baughman’s layup and two free throws by Cody Hawke gave Franklin its first lead since the beginning of the second quarter with 1:23 left that set the stage for the fantastic finish.

“We’re going to be very young next year, but missing some key guys down the stretch gave us a chance to get some of our younger players playing time,” Fullmer said. “We’re going to need our freshman class to step up next year. But with players like Cody Hawke and Tyus Young to build the team around, we’re going to be okay.”

FORT LEBOEUF 32, FRANKLIN 31

Score by Quarters

Fort Leboeuf — 9 12 5 6 — 32
Franklin — 10 0 12 9 — 31

Fort LeBoeuf — 32

Armin Comic 0 0-0 0, Irvin Comic 2 0-0 6, Trevor Holmes 1 0-0 2,Connor Lesik 1 3-3 5, Brandon Kupniewski 3 0-0 4, Joe Riley 3 0-0 9, John Wasiulewski 2 0-0 4,Totals: 10 3-3 32.

FRANKLIN — 31OIL CITY USES STRONG FOURTH-QUARTER PUSH TO BEAT CORRY

CORRY, Pa. — Trailing 31-26 entering the fourth quarter, Oil City got hot scoring 20 points on its way to a 46-41 win over Corry in the opening round of the District 10 Class 4A playoffs.

The Oilers will take on Sharon in the second round Thursday.

Sawyer Manning, Lucas Homer and Holden Stahl all reached double digits for Oil City with Manning scoring 12 points, Homer 11 and Stahl 10.

Brandan Elchynski paced all scorers with 13 points for Corry.