Games can be won or lost at the free throw line. Unfortunately for the Pirates (15-9, 4-3), that was the case Friday night when they took on Conant (13-4, 7-0). The Cougars walked away still undefeated in the conference by a score of 55-53.

Palatine was able to fight their way to the foul line 11 times in the first half against the larger, more physical Cougars. However, the Pirates were only able to convert 3 of those 11 free throws, trailing 29-28 at the break.

“The free throw shooting was disappointing,” Palatine coach Eric Millstone said. “But that was a typical MSL West game. There were bodies on the floor and that is how the game went.”

Palatine came out of the half looking for a win that would keep them in the race for the MSL West title. Senior Chris Refka (14 points) and sophomore Johnny O’Shea (11 points) gave them that chance.

Refka’s three point shooting and O’Shea’s presence around the glass was enough to give the Pirates a late three point lead. After controlling the ball for a minute in the offensive zone, the ball found O’Shea at the top of the arch. Looking for another pass, O’Shea wasn’t prepared for Conant senior Vinson to steal the ball and go the other way for the basket and the foul.

From that moment on, the Cougars had the momentum. After a crazy bounce off a leg, Vinson put the hosts up by three on a fast break score. The Pirates made a late push, but came up just short once again against the rival Cougars.

The missed free throws for the Pirates in the first half were just too much to overcome in the end. Palatine shot 5-14 for the game from the line, a season low.

The Pirates host cross town rival Fremd on Friday, and then host Maine South on Saturday.