HURRICANE, W.Va. — Free throws play an important role in the game of basketball.

Unfortunately, the Hannan boys basketball team found out the hard way Tuesday night following a 50-47 setback to Calvary Baptist Academy in a non-conference matchup in Putnam County.

The visiting Wildcats (1-5) managed to keep pace with the Patriots throughout most of the four quarters of action, but CBA countered that effort with 20 extra free throw chances — which included 10 additional makes — in remaining unbeaten this winter.

The Patriots (8-0) sank 17-of-29 charity tosses in the triumph for 59 percent, while HHS made 7-of-9 free throw tries for 78 percent.

Both teams were tied at 14 after eight minutes of play, but the hosts made a pivotal 13-8 run in the second canto to establish a 27-22 edge at the break. The Wildcats countered with a small 12-10 spurt in the third to pull within 37-34 headed into the finale, but both teams scored 13 points down the stretch to pull off the one-possesion decision.

Kade McCoy, Paul Holley and Tyler Burns all led Hannan with 11 points apiece, followed by Ty Paige with seven markers. Daniel Black and Tyler Jenkins rounded out the respective scoring with four and three points.

Jace Heller paced Calvary Baptist with a game-high 20 points, followed by Trent Spears with 14 points and Alex Rhodes with seven markers.