The North Catholic boys basketball team kept pace, but couldn’t hold off the WPIAL 3A defending champions Thursday night as the Trojans fell to Lincoln Park, 62-50, at the Petersen Events Center.

Things were looking positive early with North Catholic up by three after the first eight minutes of play.

The Trojans went on a 6-0 run late in the second quarter, but watched their lead vanish by the end of the period to trail the Leopards, 27-26, at the half.

An evenly contested third quarter followed, with Lincoln Park only able to extend its lead by two.

Hans Rottmann came off bench for North Catholic to score 10 points heading into the final frame.

Things began to unravel for the Trojans as Lincoln Park extend its lead to nine with 2:50 to go and the Leopards salted the game away to win their second consecutive class 3A title by 12.