The boys basketball team overcame a big halftime deficit to rally and defeat South Allegheny 59-52 on Thursday night.

South Allegheny took an early lead thanks to success in shooting three-pointers. By halftime, the visitors led the Highlanders by 13 points.

“They shot the ball really well and made a lot of tough shots,” senior Caden Cherico said.

But in the second half, Baldwin outscored South Allegheny 38-18. Better communication on defense and taking more efficient shots got the Highlanders back into the game.

“We fixed our defense and shot selection to be able to chip away at their lead,” Cherico said.

Barakat agreed.

“We were able to make better shots, and we were able to defend a lot better than in the first half,” Barakat said. 

Cherico credited the effort of senior Nate Wesling

“Nate consistently made shots all night and was our leading point scorer,” he said.

Even with the impressive comeback, improvements can be made, Cherico said.

“We need to come out faster and not let teams get up on us in the first half,” he said.

Barakat said the Highlanders need to learn from the game.

“We could have started the game better, so we don’t have to make those comebacks,” he said.

The Highlanders will play Peters Township at home at 7:45 p.m. Tuesday.