In a game that seemed to be on the brink of being out of reach, the Atlantic Trojans found their way back from a 14-point deficit. However, the comeback came up just one second short as they fell to the Lewis Central Titans 48-46 Friday night. Although the first quarter went well for the Trojans, the offense struggled for a large portion of the game. Although the defense kept it from being a blowout, time was running out on Atlantic. However, with three minutes left, the tide turned. Thanks to some electric three-point and their ability to force turnovers, the Trojans erased the 14-point deficit and took the lead with just seconds remaining. However, the comeback bid ended in heartbreak as the Titans nailed an open three to regain the lead and ultimately the game. Despite brilliant flashes throughout the course of the game, it was still an inconsistent performance as the Trojans dropped their second in a row.

Outside of the final three minutes, the first quarter was Atlantic’s best stretch of basketball. Although the offense wasn’t explosive, neither was the Titans’. Neither team found much success from beyond the arc, and each team only managed a handful of field goals. Katrina Williams led the way for the Trojans wth five hard-earned points in the paint as a part of her team leading 12 points. Both defenses made life difficult for the other as the opening frame saw Lewis Central hold a slim 11-10 lead.

The second quarter is where things shifted in favor of the Titans. While Atlantic’s offense went dry, Lewis Central started connecting. Ellie Born exploded onto the scene, scoring seven of her game-leading 18 points in the second quarter, including one of the four three-pointers in the frame. Meanwhile, the Titans played a physical style of defense that pressured Atlantic at every turn. Nearly every time the Trojans so much as bobbled the ball, they found a Titan bearing down at them. The Trojans were held to single-digit points in both the second and the third quarters. However, they fought hard defensively. Although Lewis Central had the momentum, the Trojans never allowed the game to be out of reach.

Despite the game being in reach, trailing 37-25, it felt as if the Trojans needed a good start to the fourth. However, they didn’t;t get it. Through the first five minutes of the quarter, Atlantic managed just two points, and it seemed like hope was fading. Then, like flipping a switch, everything changed. The Trojans hit five three-pointers, two of which came from Zoey Kirchoff, including the one that gave Atlantic the lead with 7 seconds left. They were also able to force numerous turnovers, which led to easy buckets. After surrendering the lead and out of a timeout, the Titans had one shot to win the game, and they didn’t miss. After racing up the court and driving toward the lane, Macie Vetters found Born wide open in the corner, and she nailed her second long ball of the evening. Although Atlantic snuck in a timeout, it gave them a measly 1.5 seconds to work with. Despite getting Kirchoff some room at center court, her heave came up well short, putting an end to the comeback bid. Although the comeback was magnificent, the Trojans found themselves chasing for much of the game as the offense continued to be inconsistent at times. Head coach Dan Vargason was very pleased with the effort and resiliency they showed in their comeback effort.

However, they are still searching for some answers.

The Trojans now 4-4, have a quick turnaround as they will head to Nodaway Valley Monday to make up a rescheduled game.