McDowell 52 New Castle 48--OT--1999 PIAA AAAA Western Final

3/24/99--In one of the greatest collapses in PIAA history, nationally ranked New Castle blows a 39-20 lead midway through the third quarter and McDowell comes roaring back to send the game to overtime and eventually win it. The game was played at Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House before a raucous crowd. The game was broadcast live on WJET-TV 24 in Erie. The win sent the Trojans to their first ever PIAA State Championship game, where they would lose to Williamsport.

[@robertleighty5335]

Thanks for posting this as I always wanted to see this game. I have been follow PA high school basketball since I was in High School. I went to Uniontown and our school has our own history with both these programs. The McDowell/Uniontown game from 2000 played ironically at New Castle is also available on KZbin. The tables were turned on McDowell just a season later when they were undefeated and top ranked in PA. Just some great defensive basketball played in these games.

[@heelsfan2280]

Peak 90s. Love it. McDowell baby

[@CharlesBolton-yf7eg]

Those McDowell players sucked the refs off behind the bleachers before the game.

[@davedowling6053]

Thanks for posting. My biggest memory was the post game complaining from New Castle coach John Sarandrea about the officials, how the District 6 officials never saw athletes like he had. It was so bad, even the Pittsburgh writers called him out. It wasn't the officials who lost their composure during the 4th quarter and OT. Number 6 in the country and you're shut out in OT? Too bad McDowell lost in the state finals, but this win more than made up for it. Great game McD!

[@CDudley40]

Sarandrea also complained after PIAA losses to McDowell and Prep in the 90's about game sites/referees. Amazing to watch the collapse even to this day. Up 39-20 and 44-29 and couldn't close it out. Love the passion from Gallagher and Sissini in calling the game.

[@georgebsuh5144]

@@CDudley40 what was NC ranked at this time? I know they played Rice that season who was ranked #2 and #3.

[@CDudley40]

@@georgebsuh5144 I believe they were number 5 in the country in USA Today..only loss was to to NYC team, may have been Rice.

[@gregbradley4072]

@@CDudley40 wrong.... They beat St Raymond's (NYC)

[@MikeG82]

hey thanks for all the videos, many i always wanted to see do you happen to have the Erie Prep game against Ringgold in 95?

[@CDudley40]

I wish I did. I have been looking for that one for a long time. It was broadcast in Erie if I remember correctly. Huge, huge, upset. That was arguably Prep's best team ever.

[@georgebsuh5144]

obviously the announcer had a serious bias against new castle.

[@CDudley40]

They were Erie area local TV announcers rooting hard for the hometown Trojans.

[@georgebsuh5144]

@@CDudley40 ok figured that.

[@sofakingmoney4010]

13 on new castle pooped his pants it looks like

[@gregbradley4072]

Refs were paid..... Big time

[@gregbradley4072]

New Castle got robbed... Plain and simple. These calls were ridiculous

[@CDudley40]

I think most would agree that McDowell put on a defensive clinic and New Castle couldn't adapt to their style of play. They were out of control.

[@georgebsuh5144]

awwwwwhhhh MFing Gred Bradley.