CENTERVILLE — The Piqua boys basketball team had an impressive season under second-year coach Brett Kopp.

The Indians 17 wins were the most since the 1986-87 team and Piqua got its first tournament win in seven years.

Piqua was looking to become the first team since Heath Butler’s 2015-16 team to advance to the district semifinals Tuesday night when the Indians took on Northmont in Centerville D-I sectional action. Marcus Bixler’s 2006-07 team also advanced to the district semifinals.

But, the Indians struggled at the offensive end from the start against Northmont’s pressure and quickness, losing 65-46.

Piqua closes the season at 17-7. Northmont, 12-12, advances to play Fairmont in the district semifinal Friday night.

Despite an early free throw from Dre’s Sean Roberts, the Indians did not make a field goal in the first four minutes and immediately got down 6-1.

Colten Beougher hit a 3-pointer with 3:31 to go in the quarter to make it 6-4 and five Piqua its first field goal.

Dre’Sean Roberts would hit two free throws and Anson Cox added one as the Indians closed to within 7-8 with 1:41 remaining in the quarter.

But, Northmont’s Chermak Green would close the quarter with six straight points to make it 14-7 going to the second quarter.

Despite six points from Dre’Sean Roberts and a three by Mickey Anderson, Piqua found itself trailing 29-18 at the break.

Late in the third quarter, Piqua made a little run with baskets by Dre’Sean Roberts and Anson Cox cutting the deficit to 38-30.

But, the T-Bolts would quickly take the lead back to double digits, opening a 45-31 led after three quarters.

And Northmont continued to build on the lead in the fourth quarter.

Dre’Sean Roberts finished an impressive career with 22 points and three steals for the Indians.

Ky Warner scored five points and Tate Kuhlman had five points and three assists.

Mickey Anderson pulled down five rebounds and Bryson Roberts had three steals.

Dalin Wilkins led a balanced Northmont attack with 14 points.

Green added 11 points and D.J. Williams and Tyrin Sturdivant both added 10 points.

Cedric Works scored six points and Dorian Brew added five points.

Piqua was 15 of 47 from the floor for 32 percent, including three of 17 on 3-pointers for 18 percent. The Indians made 13 of 22 free throws for 59 percent.

The Indians had 20 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

Sports Editor Rob Kiser can be reached at [email protected]