While Liberty needed overtime to register its first win of the season, Freedom needed a three-point shot to sink, rather than rim out in the waning seconds to lose their opener.

Ultimately, the Patriots couldn't get the final score they needed, as they lost to Whitehall on their home court 52-48 during the 10th annual Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic.

Freedom trailed 50-48 with under 10 seconds left and went for a game-winning three-pointer on their final play. The shot rimmed out and Whitehall sealed the win with two free throws to leave Joe Stellato and company empty on the first night of the winter.

"We're still trying to figure things out," said Pates head coach Joe Stellato. "We played 10 guys and I can't remember the last time I've done that. We're going to keep playing with 10 guys until we figure out an eight-man rotation. Nigel Long did great for us, but I was disappointed that some of our guys didn't play that well. We need other guys to step up."

Long led Freedom with a 15 point night and his interior counterpart, David Williams, provided 11 points, but nobody else lit up the stat sheet.

Stellato was pleased to see Dashaun Neufville (seven points) hit two second half three pointers to keep the Pates within striking distance, as Freedom hit 11 treys on the night.

As far as the rest of this week, only Bethlehem Catholic continues play on Tuesday night by hosting Archbishop Wood. The Hawks then host Liberty on Friday night.

Freedom hosts Easton on Friday to open the official LVC schedule.

All three Bethlehem teams then face non-league opponents on Saturday, as Liberty takes on Spring-Ford at Memorial Gymnasium and Williamsport travels to Freedom.

Becahi hit the road for the first time this season when they head to Pottstown.