After two strong showings to start its season, Centralia fell in its first contest, 66-62, to 1A Seton Catholic Tuesday night.
The Tigers (2-1) were plagued by mental errors and turnovers, and struggled to score leading up to the fourth quarter in the loss to the Cougars.
“We made a lot of mental mistakes,” Tigers coach Kyle Donahue said. “We didn’t get into our offense like I thought we could. We need to take care of the basketball better.”
Centralia shot 16 of 35 from the field, and was just five of 15 from three-point land in the loss. The Tigers did come alive a bit in the second half, with four players scoring in double figures, but it was too little, too late.
“It’s good that we were in a tight game because it teaches us a lot of things,” Donahue said.
Landon Kaut once again led the way with 16 points and 10 rebounds, with Cole Wasson right behind with 15 points and seven boards and Rex Akins narrowly missing a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Yeung was the last Tiger in double digits for scoring with 10.
Donahue praised the performances of Wasson and Akins in particular for helping to steady the ship after a tough first half scoring the ball.
Centralia will look to right the ship against Rochester on Friday at home.
