Michael Bufalino scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half Thursday night when Dallas overcame a deficit to defeat host Crestwood, 62-47, and clinch at least a tie for first place in Wyoming Valley Conference Division 1.
The Mountaineers finished 12-2 in the division, giving them a half-game lead over Hazleton Area, which is 11-2 going into its Saturday night game at Crestwood.
Crestwood outscored Dallas, 15-7, in the second quarter to take a 25-24 halftime lead.
Bufalino made three 3-pointers in the second half. He made two while scoring 10 points in the third quarter.
Nick Nocito had 7 of his 13 points and Michael Cumbo 5 of his 10 in the third when Dallas outscored Crestwood, 24-11, to take control.
Austin Finarelli had 6 points in the fourth quarter to finish off a 12-point effort and keep the Mountaineers in the lead.
Drew Sechleer led Crestwood with 12 points. He had seven in the first half.
Sam Balliet had five of his nine points while Crestwood was taking the lead in the second quarter.
Dallas has won 11 straight to improve to 17-3 overall.
Crestwood is 5-8 and 9-11.
Dallas will be part of the WVC Tournament next week regardless of whether it beats Hazleton Area out for first place. The top two teams in each division make the four-team event. Dallas and either Hazleton Area or Pittston Area will join Holy Redeemer and Nanticoke in the field.
