Marple Newtown’s Matt Gardler drives in a game against Garnet Valley last season. (PETE BANNAN/MediaNews Group)
By Matthew DeGeorge
In a Central League that has been tight all season, it makes perfect sense that two road teams would prevail in the first round of the league playoffs.
No. 6 seed Marple Newtown knocked off third-seeded Conestoga, 64-60, Thursday night, while No. 5 Springfield overcame fourth seed Garnet Valley, 54-53, in overtime.
It sets up Friday’s semifinals, with the Tigers returning to top-seeded Penncrest – after dropping a double-overtime contest there on Saturday – and the Cougars venturing to No. 2 Lower Merion.
Matt Gardler was a difference maker as usual for Marple Newtown, with 25 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. He went 6-for-6 from the line in the fourth quarter, and the Tigers were 9-for-10 at the charity stripe in the final frame.
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