NEW CASTLE — The game was over early, but it ended with encouragement.

New Castle shot out to a 23-4 lead in the first five and a half minutes, led by as many 39 late in the third quarter and coasted to a 74-56 boys basketball win Friday night in a mutual Section 3-AAAA opener.

“What you saw in the first two and a half quarters tonight was not Butler basketball,” Golden Tornado coach Matt Clement said. “New Castle came out with quickness, speed and intensity and we didn't match it.

“We looked like we were trying to feel things out early. You can't do that against a team like this. You have to come out with guns blazing.”

The Tornado (2-2, 0-1) managed only 14 shots in the first half compared to 34 by the Red Hurricane (3-0, 1-0). New Castle had one turnover in the first half to Butler's 12.

“The key to this game for us was not allow transition points and offensive rebounds,” Clement said. “That's how they got three-fourths of their points. They didn't have to run any sets.”

Malik Hooker, a 6-foot-1 senior guard, led the 'Canes with 27 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and three steals while playing less than three quarters. He is headed to Ohio State as a wide receiver in football.

Anthony Richards, New Castle's leading scorer, sank only one field goal in the first half while attempting six shots.

“When teams pay a lot of attention to Anthony, it opens the door for an athlete like Malik to do all kinds of things,” New Castle coach Ralph Blundo said. “This is the second time an opponent has fronted Anthony and Malik has 36 and 27 points in those two games.”

Clement lauded the efforts of Hooker as well.

“That's what a major college Division I athlete looks like, no matter what sport he's playing,” Clement said.

New Castle's win was its 28th straight on its home floor and 49th consecutive regular season victory. The 'Canes' last regular season loss was a 58-54 decision at Blackhawk on Feb. 4, 2011.

Including playoff games, New Castle has won 59 of its last 61 games, dating back to the beginning of the 2011-12 season.

“We don't talk or think about any of that stuff,” Blundo said. “All we're concerned about is how we're doing that day, whether it's practice or a game.”

Butler trailed 48-24 at halftime and New Castle scored the first 14 points of the third quarter. The 'Canes' lead peaked at 68-29 when Hooker sank a free throw with 1:39 left in the period.

The Tornado out-scored their hosts by a 27-6 margin the rest of the way. New Castle played none of its starters in the fourth period.

“There was no need to risk getting anyone hurt at that point,” Blundo said. “We played hard tonight, we were aggressive and we played smart. There's nothing about this game I'm unhappy about.

“When one team (pulls its top players), it's courtesy for the other team to do the same. But he (Clement) is going to do what's best for his team and I have no problem with that.”

Clement said New Castle “is a two-time WPIAL champion. If I'm in his shoes, I do the same thing in that situation.

“But my team is looking for confidence. We're not playing smoothly yet and we're going to keep working on it.”

Nick Patten paced Butler with 14 points while Justice Lewandowski came off the bench to drain four treys and score 12 points. Mark Gross had six rebounds.

“Maybe Justice found his shot tonight, maybe this game will propel him forward,” Clement said.

Stew Allen had 13 points and six rebounds for New Castle. Robert Natale had 12 points and five boards, Drew Allen nine points and six assists.

BUTLER 56

Justice Lewandowski 4-7 0-0 12, Rich Marnic 0-3 2-3 2, Arum Krause 2-10 5-6 9, Keenan Krause 0-1 3-4 3, Andrew Paterno 1-3 0-0 2, Nick Patten 6-9 2-3 14, Cory Wheeler 1-2 0-0 2, Tyler Frederick 3-3 0-2 6, Eric Hindman 0-0 0-0 0, Mark Gross 2-7 2-2 6, Damien Pickett 0-0 0-0 0, Trevor Young 0-0 0-0 0. Totals: 19-45 14-20 56.

NEW CASTLE 74

Drew Allen 2-7 5-6 9, Jake McPhatter 0-3 1-2 1, Robert Natale 4-7 2-2 12, Anthony Richards 2-8 2-2 7, Malik Hooker 13-17 1-5 27, Micah Fulena 1-5 2-2 5, Stew Allen 6-8 1-2 13, Marquel Hooker 0-1 0-0 0, Gino DeMonaco 0-1 0-0 0, Pat Minenock 0-1 0-0 0. Totals: 28-58 14-21 74.

Butler 9 15 8 24—56

New Castle25 23 20 6—74

3-point goals: Lewandowski 4; Natale 2, Richards, Fulena

JV: New Castle, 60-54 (B: Joel Stutz 23, NC: Marquel Hooker 20

Tuesday: Hampton at Butler