Up against the second-best team in the conference, the Falcon boys didn’t get much of a chance Friday night.

Lynden Christian’s Lyncs pegged the visiting Falcons for 18 points in the first quarter, 20 in the second and 15 in the third to take a 28-point lead that was insurmountable for short-handed South Whidbey. Even a late charge by senior Forrest Holder, who hit 12 of his team-leading 15 points in the second half, could not save the Falcons. The team lost the game 61-40, dropping its fourth in a row.

It was not entirely unexpected.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game,” said team coach Andy Davis.

The Lyncs, who are 6-1 in North Cascades Conference play and ranked among the top 10 2A squads in the state, gave the Falcons few chances to put points on the board. South Whidbey shooters were 15-for-39 from the field during the game. Though accurate at the free throw line, South Whidbey got few chances to make the easy points. They finished the night 10-for-13 in free shooting.

At their best in the fourth quarter, the Falcons finally edged the Lyncs, getting a 15-8 advantage as they picked up their first momentum of the night. In addition to Holder’s scoring, which was the basis of the renewed scoring attack, sophomore Tanner McInerney had his best night as a varsity player, scoring nine for the game. Junior Kyle McGillen contributed both offensively and defensively, scoring six and stealing five balls.

Falcon coach Andy Davis said he was pleased to see his team go toe to toe with the Lyncs in rebounding. Each team grabbed 29 rebounds.

The Falcons, who are now 1-6 in NCC play and 5-6 overall, play at home Friday against Meridian. Junior varsity and C-squad games begin at 5:15 p.m., and the varsity plays at 7.