Despite a strong first quarter, the Atlantic Trojans fell to the Lewis Central Titans 60-34 Friday night in Atlantic. The Trojans played well in the first quarter, hanging with the Titans every step of the way. Although neither of the offenses found their rhythm early, the defenses, especially Atlantic’s, played physical and limited opportunities. However, despite only holding a slim lead after one, Lewis Central started to take advantage of its opportunities. The Trojans’ defense continued to put up a fight, but as the game wore on, they could’t hold up enough while the offense struggled. Ultimately, the Titans pulled away, handing Atlantic its second straight loss.

The First quarter was Atlantic’s best of the game. Holding Lewis Central to nine points in the opening frame, they match the Titans’ physicality and intensity. They limited their opportunities, rebounded well, and the few opportunities they did give up, Lewis Central missed. However, Atlantic’s offense didn’t have better luck. The game’s first point came two minutes in while the first field goal came at the halfway point. The only true difference between the two teams in the first was an extra field goal, as the frame ended 9-7 in favor of Lewis Central.

The second quarter was when Lewis Central took over the game. While Atlantic’s defense remained stagnant, Charles Schaben heated up. Scoring 7 of his game-leading 17 points in the second quarter, Lewis Central started to build a lead. The Titans, led by Schaben, found most of their success in the paint. Although the Trojans kept it close for the majority of the period, Lewis Central ended the frame on a 10-4 run to take a 9-point lead into the half.

Things only continued to worsen for Atlantic. The Trojans were held scoreless for the first 4 minutes of the second half. On the other end, the Titans continued to build their lead. Carter Theilan was the focal point of the second half, scoring 10 while Schaben chipped in another six. The Trojans continued to fight. Hunter Nelson scored all nine of his team-leading points in the second half, including one of Atlantic’s two long balls. However, it was not enough to keep up with Lewis Central who wore down the Trojan defense. Head coach Dalton Franken was proud of the way his defense fought, especially early on.

However, they are still looking for answers on offense.

Now 2-4 on the season, the Trojans will have one more game before the winter break as they remain at home to take on Winterset. Franken is expecting a similar brand of basketball.

That game is set to tip off at 7:30 pm in Atlantic.