Turnovers, Cold Quarter Costs Lisle Against Plano

Too many turnovers and a cold third quarter cost the Lisle boys' basketball team a 46-44 defeat against Plano Friday.

The Lions (1-4) lost the turnover battle 15 to 5, and scored only three third-quarter points to drop their season's first Interstate 8 conference game. 

Plano (1-1) had opened up a 34-21 lead at the end of the third quarter while holding Lisle's offense to only three points. However, the Lions came back and had a chance to win on a last second shot. 

When the fourth quarter began, Lisle head coach Mark LaScala said he told his athletes to not "pout" and to battle through adversity.

"I thought they responded well," LaScala said. "We were in a scoring dr0ught and when the ball doesn't go in it kind of zaps your energy and enthusiasm, and that can't happen. Once we got some baskets going, I thought our energy level and enthusiasm really rose. It was a good comeback, but it wasn't enough."

Lions' senior forward Kyle Frazier opened the fourth with a rebound and a fast break lay up. He then stole the ball and had another basket, but that was erased when senior center Phil Palicka interfered with the shot.

Lisle senior center Chris Wray then scored the next six points for a four-point deficit, but Plano forward Alex Ramirez hit a trey to make it 37-30 Reapers.

"They were doing a good job throwing the ball to me inside," Wray said. "I don't think we made the shots or rebounding at the level we needed to for a victory."

The Lions scored on the following possession while Frazier drew a charge from Plano junior guard Devin Haws, fouling Haws out.

Frazier completed a three-point play after being fouled while Plano junior guard Walter King drained an uncontested jumper for the 39-35 Reapers lead with over three minutes remaining.

Palicka hit two free throws to make it a two-point game, but then fouled out after holding King.

Free throws ensued with Plano going 5-for-8 and Lisle 2-for-4 to make it 44-39. Lisle senior guard Curt Walker then caught fire by scoring five points, including a three-pointer for a 45-44 game with 11 seconds left.

"It was crazy," Walker said. "I kind of fought the pressure and had to make the shot."

Plano junior guard Jose Martinez split a pair of free throws. The Lions attempted a game-tying or winning shot. Lisle dribbled too long, forcing junior guard Pat Webb to launch a desperate three that missed as time expired.

The Reapers head coach Brett Moore said he was proud of his team's effort.

"I had guys play out of their minds after the first couple of minutes fighting on the boards and inside and really stepping up," Moore said. "We are fast and utilized our speed," Moore said. "We had a lot of steals early and forced turnovers."

The Lions were led by Wray's 16 points while Frazier and Palicka had 13 and 11 points, respectively.

King led the Reapers with 13 points while Ramirez added 11.

The Lions won the rebound battle 31-22, but Lisle hit 11-for-19 foul shots.

"We need to be more consistent there," LaScala said. "We will have a lot of close games this year. If we shoot well from the free throw line consistently, we will come out on the right side."

Lisle will face Yorkville 7 p.m. Saturday at Yorkville. For the Lions to win, Walker said better defense, less turnovers and higher energy are needed.