Basketball Recap: Jase Babcock's Big Game Can't Quite Lead Athens over Tioga

Athens was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their third straight defeat. They were six points away from ending the streak, but they lost a 62-56 heartbreaker at the hands of the Tioga Tigers. The Wildcats were given a dose of their own medicine in this game as the Tigers apparently hadn't forgotten their loss the last time these teams played back in December of 2022.

Athens' defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jase Babcock, who posted 23 points and seven boards. Those 23 points gave Babcock a new career-high. Lucas Shultz was another key player, putting up ten points along with six rebounds and three steals.

Even though they lost, Athens smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least eight offensive rebounds in four consecutive contests.

Athens' record is now 2-6. As for Tioga, the victory got them back to even at 1-1.

Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Athens will get a bit of extra time to process the loss as their next game is a ways off. They'll take on North Penn-Mansfield at 7:15 p.m. on January 7, 2025. As for Tioga, they will welcome Moravia at 7:00 p.m. on January 3, 2025.