BUFFALO TWP — The “A” game needed by Freeport just wasn't there.

Despite a spirited effort against once-beaten Highlands, turnovers and poor free throw shooting combined to foil the host Yellowjackets' chances in a 63-49 Section 1-4A decision Friday night.

“Playing a team as highly-ranked as Highlands, we needed to want it more tonight,” said Freeport coach Wayne Greiser. “We needed to make it happen and couldn't, but Highlands had something to do with that.”

The Golden Rams (9-1, 2-0) led just 32-25 at halftime. Both teams struggled in the third period, scoring just four points in the first 5½ minutes of the period.

Korry Myers then knocked down two treys in 48 seconds, giving the Rams a 42-29 edge.

The 'Jackets (2-6, 0-2) received nine points from Matt Aulicino in the final quarter to keep things interesting, but Highlands' lead never dipped below 10 points.

Seven of the Rams' nine victories have come by at least 21 points. Coach Tyler Stoczynski has high standards for his team and was not thrilled with his team's play, especially with a defense that allowed a lot of easy baskets and 20 points to Aulicino.

“Defense has to be a staple of who we are, but we didn't communicate well,” said Stoczynski. “Give Freeport credit, they hit some shots, but we have a lot of maturing to do.”

Freeport could have taken a lead into halftime, but the team committed 10 turnovers in the first half and struggled from the line.

“We were two of 10 in free throws and talked to the team about being tough and boxing out,” said Greiser. “We started out ok on the boards in the third quarter, but faded after that.”

The 'Jackets held Highlands' star forward Johnny Crise to 11 points and just six in the first three quarters. But guard Luke Cochran was a thorn in Freeport's side the entire game, scoring a game-high 24 points and surpassing 1,000 points for his career with a trey in the fourth quarter.

“I was very excited for him,” said Stoczynski. “He knew winning the game was No. 1 for us and I thought he was unselfish with the ball.”

Vinnie Clark added 11 points in a losing effort for the 'Jackets.

Greiser has watched his team lose three games by a combined 12 points thus far.

“It's there, we just have to find it,” he said of his team's ability to play winning basketball. “If we limit our turnovers, we can play with anybody.

“(Aulicino) now has four consecutive good games and that's something we can build on,” he added. “We have games against Mount Pleasant and Yough next week and that's two teams we will be battling with for a playoff spot. We need to have our four best practices of the season.”

HIGHLANDS 63

Jimmy Kunst 2 0-0 4, Antoine McDaniel 1 0-0 3, Korry Myers 5 0-0 14, Carter Leri 2 0-0 4, Johnny Crise 4 3-7 11, Luke Cochran 9 4-5 24, Trent Bielak 1 0-1 2, Wahkeem Roman 0 1-2 1. Totals: 24 8-15 63.

FREEPORT 49

Vinnie Clark 4 2-4 11, Christian Waronsky 1 0-1 3, Garret Schaffhauser 2 1-2 5, Aiden Skradski 2 0-0 6, Matt Aulicino 9 2-6 20, Colin Gaspersic 1 0-0 2, Cole Charlton 1 0-0 2. Totals: 20 5-13 49.

Highlands 15 17 12 19 — 63

Freeport14 11 6 18 — 49

3-point goals: Highlands 7 (Myers 4, Cochran 2, McDaniel); Freeport 4 (Skradski 2, Waronsky, Clark).

Tuesday: Mount Pleasant at Freeport