The win avenged an earlier loss for Pine Grove, which dropped the first meeting between the teams on December 4 by a 51–47 score.
Mahanoy Area came out strong in the opening quarter, building a 19–15 lead after one. Pine Grove responded with a big second quarter, edging ahead 31–30 at halftime. The visitors continued to build momentum in the third, stretching the lead to 49–43, before closing out the game at the foul line and with timely baskets in the final frame.
Dane Hannevig led Pine Grove with a game-high 21 points, while Tanner Kolb added 16. Hayden Felty chipped in 10 points, and Blaze Dower and Tegan Schneck Haines scored six points apiece. Dru Herber rounded out the scoring with four points.
Mahanoy Area was led by Cam Smith with 20 points. Conner Bowman followed with 15, and Ryan Zilker added 13. Nico DiCasimirro finished with seven points, while Kenny Cedenio and Gavin Byrne contributed two and one points, respectively.
With the victory, Pine Grove improves to 2–7 in Schuylkill League Division 1 play and 6–11 overall. The Cardinals will return home Friday night to host North Schuylkill in another league matchup. Pine Grove stayed close in its first meeting with the Spartans earlier this season but came up short.
Mahanoy Area falls to 3–5 in league play and 5–9 overall. The Golden Bears will look to bounce back Friday night when they host Panther Valley.