BUTLER TWP — Getting a chance to play in the PIAA Tournament is one thing.

Playing that game on your home floor is another.

Butler (14-10) hosts Altoona (11-13) in a PIAA Class AAAA play-in game at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Golden Tornado gym.

“It's a special thing for our seniors because it's an extra home game we didn't expect,” Butler coach Matt Clement said. “It's also a reward for this community, which followed us to all of those games at North Allegheny.”

Butler played all three of its WPIAL tournament games at North Allegheny. The Tornado lost a 47-45 decision to Gateway in the semifinals, earning the No. 3 seed out of District 7. Gateway defeated Chartiers Valley 58-43 to win the district title.

Altoona is the No. 2 seed out of District 6, having dropped a 68-61 decision to State College in the district finals. The Mountain Lions upset top-seeded Hollidaysburg in the semifinal round.

Hollidaysburg defeated Butler in a holiday tournament early in the regular season.

“We have the utmost respect for that Hollidaysburg team,” Clement said. “They start five seniors and they're a physical team.

“Altoona beat them and kept them out of this state tournament. That has to get our attention. Their record isn't that great, but neither is ours. It's all about how you're playing now.”

State College had to sink 15 of 16 free throws in the fourth quarter to avoid losing that district final.

The Mountain Lions have three starters averaging in double figures. Senior 6-foot-2 forward Bert Johnson averages 14.0 points per game, junior forward Mark Watson 13.5 and sophomore guard DeRon Lee 12.5.

Lee scored 23 points against State College in the district finals. Junior guard Danny Moyer added 13 and Johnson had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

“Johnson is a tough kid inside and their guards can shoot the ball,” Clement said.

Paul Hasson is in his second year as Altoona's coach. The Mountain Lions were only 5-17 last season. Hasson is 173-155 in 12 years of high school coaching overall.

Tuesday's winner will play McDowell at Gannon University in Erie on Saturday.

“This is another start, another opportunity for our kids,” Clement said. “When we're playing defense and staying intense on the floor, we can play with anybody.

“This game will be a challenge and I'm glad we're playing it in Butler. We're anticipating another big crowd and a tremendous atmosphere.”