They certainly got their money’s worth.

The Knights battled back from a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit and tied the game inside the final 30 seconds, but ultimately suffered a 67-65 setback.

“I’m really proud of this group of young men,” Eisenhower head coach Ryan Mangini said. “We just could not get finishes when we needed our shots to fall.”

But, boy, did the Knights make it interesting.

Photo by Mark Evans The Knights’ Austin Hanson (14) splits defenders Charlie Crummie (30) and Dayvaughn William (23) to score 2 of his game-high 30 points.

Trailing 54-40 heading into the final period and 63-49 with about three minutes remaining, they used a huge run to get right back in it and tailed 65-61 with just under a minute to play. From there, Liam Hanson made a pair of free throws with 41 seconds left and Austin Hanson also connected twice from the charity stripe 14 seconds later to tie the game 65-all.

Eisenhower nearly forced a 10-second violation on the ensuing inbounds pass, but Seton LaSalle was able to call a timeout. After play resumed, Jaleel Wright received a long pass, which led to two points and a 67-65 lead at the 15-second mark.

The Knights (21-4) had opportunities to score in the closing moments, including a last-second 3-point attempt that bounced off the front of the rim, but Seton LaSalle escaped with the win.

“I’m really proud of this group,” said Mangini, who will be graduating just one senior. “They are all hard workers, are a pleasure to coach, they never give up and that was evident today in the fourth quarter.”

Will Martin led Seton LaSalle (20-7) with 23 points, Charlie Crummie added 18 and Wright chipped in 13.

Seton LaSalle’s Charlie Crummie, middle, is sandwiched between Eisenhower’s Gavin Lindemuth, top, and Liam Hanson in a battle for a loose ball.

For Eisenhower, Austin Hanson poured in a game-high 30 points, including 7-for-7 from the foul line, and Rylan Benton added 12, courtesy of four makes from beyond the arc.

The game was close throughout the first half, with the Knights ultimately leading 33-31 at the break. In the third quarter, however, Seton LaSalle outscored Eisenhower 23-7 to build what appeared to be a comfortable 14-point advantage heading into the final eight minutes.

The Knights had other ideas, though, and nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback before a large, partisan crowd.

“The crowd was awesome, as they have been all season,” Mangini said. “Thank you to everyone who came out and lent their voices and enthusiasm. It was a great atmosphere to play in.”

SETON LASALLE (67)

Photo by Mark Hanson Eisenhower’s Liam Hanson drives to the basket for a layup during Saturday’s PIAA opening-round playoff basketball game against Seton LaSalle at Warren Area High School.

William 2 0 4, Cozzi 2 2 7, Wright 5 3 13, Wega 1 0 2, Crummie 7 0 18, Martin 11 1 23, Totals 28 6 67.

EISENHOWER (65)

Reynolds 1 0 2, Vine 3 0 8, AHanson 11 7 30, Guiher 0 0 0, Benton 4 0 12, LHanson 3 2 8, WMandeville 2 0 5, PMandeville 0 0 0, Totals 24 9 65.

3-point goals — Cozzi, Crummie 4, Vine 2, AHanson, Benton 4, WMandeville.

Seton LaSalle 16 15 23 13 — 67

Eisenhower 17 16 7 25 — 65