The Atlantic Trojans boys basketball team fell to the Lewis Central Titans on Friday night. Despite a lack of offense in the first quarter and foul trouble in the second half, the Trojans continued to battle. However, Lewis Central was crisper and was able to capitalize on more opportunities to down the Trojans 72-46.

Offensive opportunities were at a premium in the opening quarter. However, Atlantic was able to start the game on a 5-0 run, courtesy of a Grant Petty three-pointer and a Reid Woodward field goal. In a physical first quarter, both teams’ defenses limited scoring opportunities, as Atlantic wouldn’t score again in the quarter. Despite this, Lewis Central’s offense was just as slow out of the gate. The Titans also scored just 5 points as the teams ended the first quarter tied.

Although the game remained physical, the second quarter was a different story. Led by Ramon Ware, Lewis Central’s offense would break through. Ware hit three second-quarter field goals and added a three-pointer. Although Gavin McLaren had three field goals of his own, Lewis Central would head to the half with a 24-14 lead.

Whereas the first half was marred with physicality, the second half was marked with lots of fouls. With three minutes remaining in the third quarter, both teams were in the double bonus. By the halfway point of the fourth quarter, Atlantic was in the double bonus again with Lewis Central not far behind. Despite the foul trouble, Atlantic played some of its best basketball in the third quarter. They moved the ball well and were able to get to the inside. Despite not shrinking the deficit, they were able to battle and held surge to keep the game from getting out of hand. Gavin McLaren led the way once again adding three more field goals, finishing the game as Atlantic’s top scorer with 15 points.

Despite the fight from the Trojans, the Titans would pull away in the fourth quarter. Ware finished the game with 15 points to lead Lewis Central in scoring. Carter Teelin lead the second half for the Titans, adding four field goals to finish the game with 12 points. With the win, the Titans improved to 4-1.

Head Coach Dalton Franken was proud of his group’s fight but said turnovers were a key issue.

Despite Lewis Central being in foul trouble for a good portion of the second half, Atlantic missed 10 free throws in the second half. Franken knows it’s an aspect of the Trojans’ game that needs to get better.

The Trojans head into the holiday break with a 1-5 record and will look to improve over the Christmas break.

Atlantic will be back in action on January 3rd when they host Shenandoah.