Playing at L’Anse in the season opener on Nov. 26, the Superior Central boys basketball team did plenty of good things. However, the Cougars weren’t able to overcome the turnover bug and, as a result, lost the contest, 49-41.

“They had 16 more shots than we did. Our 20 turnovers were too much,” Superior Central head coach Adam Ely said. “Both teams had opportunities. They had opportunities to pull away further, and we had opportunities to take back the lead. We didn’t end the last three minutes well.”

The Cougars’ best offensive showing of the night came in the first quarter. Ryder Kroupa hit a pair of 3s, and Blake Tanner hit one from deep as well. The Purple Hornets made two 3-pointers of their own in the frame and managed to take an 18-14 lead after one.

The Cougar defense held L’Anse to just two points in the second quarter, and baskets by Tanner and Zander Bigger helped Superior Central tie the game at 20-20 at the break.

Kroupa and Bigger had five points each in the third quarter, and Tanner was 3-of-4 from the free-throw line in the frame, but the Purple Hornets went ahead 37-33 entering the fourth.

The final quarter saw Kroupa and Bigger each hit 3-pointers, but it wasn’t enough to get Superior Central out in front.

Kroupa made four 3s and finished with 16 points to lead the Cougars. Tanner and Bigger added 11 points apiece, Drew Begovac scored two points and Andrew Charlebois added one.

Sam Lee of L’Anse led all scorers with 21 points.

The Cougars (0-1 overall) had a home contest against Hannahville on Tuesday and played at home against Rock Mid Pen on Thursday. They play at Powers North Central on Monday and will host Munising on Wednesday.