PORT ALLEGANY — The Smethport Hubbers had three chances left to earn a win and qualify for the upcoming District 9 playoffs.

With the way the game started on Tuesday night, it was evident the Hubs decided to take care of business early.

Smethport jumped out to a 18-7 first quarter lead and were up 31-10 at halftime before cruising to a 61-31 North Tier League victory over Port Allegany to snap a five-year playoff drought.  

The Hubbers (11-9, 10-4) hit seven 3-pointers in the game, including two each from Noah Costa and Layne Shall.

“Smethport played very well,” Port Allegany head coach Jeff Stuckey said. “They came off a big win yesterday (at Otto-Eldred) and we were completely flat.”

After losing four of five, Smethport has now won three straight with two games remaining against league-leading Coudersport and Cameron County. But, the Hubbers are guaranteed at least a .500 record and their first playoff appearance since 2013.

Jordan Card led the Gators (6-15, 4-11) with 12 points while Howie Stuckey had eight.

“They shot well and we were shooting very poorly,” Stuckey added. “They were hitting 2’s and 3’s, rebounding, and doing everything.”

Port A wraps up its season tonight in Galeton.

AT PORT ALLEGANY

Smethport (61)

Woodruff 1 0-1 2, Lutz 3 0-0 7, Szarowicz 1 0-0 5, Costa 3 0-0 8, Connor Alfieri 6 0-0 12, Peterson 4 1-2 10, Schall 2 0-0 6, Lent 2 2-2 6, Helsley 2 1-2 5, Jewell 0 0-1 0. Totals: 25 4-8 61

Port Allegany (31)

Jordan Card 5 1-1 12, Stuckey 3 0-0 8, McNeil 1 0-0 2, Smith 0 3-6 3, Smoker 1 0-0 3, Edgell 1 1-1 3. Totals: 11 5-8 31

Smethport  18 31 48 61

Port A         7 10 17 31

Three-point goals: Smeth 7 (Lutz, Szarowicz, Costa 2, Peterson, Schall 2), Port 4 (Card 1, Stuckey 2, Smoker 1); total fouls: Smeth 11, Port 11; fouled out: none

JV: Smethport won 39-24