Twenty-four hours after the Pike Liberal Arts Lady Patriots began their game against Macon-East Montgomery Academy, it came to an end.

Pike fell to the Lady Knights 55-47 Wednesday night in Cecil. The game was called at halftime on Tuesday due to a power outage.

Pike Liberal head coach Craig Kennedy said the long lay off could’ve had a hand in his team’s struggles.

“It was a marathon the last couple of days,” said Craig Kennedy, Pike Liberal Arts head coach. “We were playing well, up 15-6 in the first quarter, and then boom. The lights went out. It was kind of like a TV timeout in college or pro. It can help or hurt your momentum, and it definitely hurt us.”

Kennedy said the Pats’ Achilles heel, free throw shooting, once again proved to be the downfall of his team.

“Macon-East did a fantastic job hitting free throws, and we didn’t,” Kennedy said. “We haven’t shot well from the line all season. We have to score more, and it all starts with free throws. Those are free points that we are not getting.”

Pike faces a quick turnaround, as the very talented Evangel Christian Eagles come to Troy Thursday night.

The contest will be the second area game in as many nights for the Lady Pats, and Kennedy wants a win to get things pointed in the right direction.

“Evangel will be a very good basketball team,” Kennedy said. “They are always sound and play hard. We will regroup and give it another try on Thursday.”