By MEL PERKINS

The Northgate Flames fell short Tues-day night in a hard- fought battle against Aliquippa that was decided in overtime.

The Flames relied heavily on Jon Girvin early in the game, and Northgate's guards worked the ball inside frequently, allowing Gir-vin to pick up 8 of his game-leading 20 points in the first quarter. The pace of the game was fast due to the ‘Quip's constant pressure, and the first quarter ended with Northgate trailing 15-19.

The second quarter started with the Flames still being harassed by Aliquippa's pressure defense. Only 48 seconds in, MattLee was knocked to the hardwood, but kept his dribble alive and managed to get back to his feet and hit a little runner off the glass for two.

The Flames' scoring was a little more evenly distributed in the second quarter, as they got contributions from Lee, Girvin, Mack Quinn, Josh Douglass and Jake Abernathy. Northgate's defense stiffened in the second quarter also, as Girvin picked up two of four blocked shots as the half was coming to an end.

Northgate's defense allowed them to jump in front of the ‘Quips, and they took a 31-30 lead into the locker room.

Northgate opened up the second half with Girvin and Douglass combining for 6 points, but unable to keep the lead. At 4:50 left in the third quarter, the ‘Quips took the lead, marking the seventh lead change of the quarter.

The Flames' offense then went cold, and they did not score again until Douglass was fouled and hit two free throws with 1:05 left in the quarter. The quarter would end with Northgate down 39-43.

The fourth quarter was highlighted by the inside play of Douglass and Girvin, as their aggressive play inside put the ‘Quips in foul trouble. The ‘Quips' big man, Anthony Lindsey, fouled out midway through the quarter, and 8 of the Flames' 17 points came from the free throw line.

With 3:30 left in the game, the Flames put together an offensive run, and with a sense of urgency outscored the ‘Quips 6-5. Then with 29 seconds left, Abernathy hit a 3-point shot to tie the game at 56, where the quarter ended.

The lead changed hands several times in overtime. Then, with the ‘Quips in possession of the ball, time running out, and the score tied at 63, Aliquippa managed to work the ball behind the Flames' defense, and hit a short jumper from the baseline as the buzzer sounded signaling the end of the game.

Northgate fought to the end but could not pull off the victory. The final score was 65-63. The loss drops the Flames' record to 3-4 section, 7-8 overall.

The Flames had three players in double figures. Girvin led the Flames in scoring and rebounding with a double-double, 20 points and 12 rebounds. Douglass followed with 18 points, 8 of those being "clutch" free throws late in the game. Abernathy followed with 13 points.

"We certainly had our chances,” said coach perry Harrop. “Their pressure gave us problems. We tried to simulate it in practice, but you just can't."