Seneca Valley guard Chris Hart shoots over North Allegheny defender Nico Erimias during the Raiders' 39-32 win Tuesday.

JACKSON TWP — It was far from pretty, but Seneca Valley wasn't searching for style points.

The Raiders needed a win and they got it.

SV's defense held North Allegheny to less than 10 points in each of the first three quarters in a 39-32 boys basketball victory against the visiting Tigers Tuesday night.

The result clinches for the Raiders (13-7, 6-5) a WPIAL playoff berth for the first time in four seasons and ends NA's postseason hopes.

“It feels awesome to be going to the playoffs,” said SV senior guard Jake Bunofsky, who, along with Chris Hart, paced the Raiders with 12 points. “It's been a while since Seneca Valley has been there and it feels good to get there with this group of guys. Hopefully, we can make a run.”

The Tigers were without Curtis Aiken, their star guard who is out with a knee injury. They struggled offensively the entire night, but senior guard Ray Sandherr's trey tied the game at 31 with 3:14 left in the fourth quarter.

But the Raiders closed the game with an 8-1 run, beginning with Hart's bucket with three minutes left.

A full story appears in the Butler Eagle.