When Nick Hassler got fouled on a runner in the lane late in the third period, it looked like the Zephs were on the way to digging out of a hole they found themselves in after the first half against Allentown Central Catholic at Rockne Hall.

His subsequent free throw trimmed the lead to four points with 2:30 left in third quarter, and the Zephs looked like they were going to overcome that 12-point halftime deficit.

However, they missed an opportunity on a fast break, and when ACC hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, it signaled the end of the Zephs comeback as the Vikings pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 56-39 win.

The loss drops the Zephs to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference.

At the outset, it didn't appear the Zephs could find any rhythm. Brett Radocha got them on the board with a bucket to open the game, but from that point forward, baskets were hard to come by against the Vikings (5-1, 4-0 EPC).

When they mounted their comeback in the third, outscoring the Vikings by 12 points during their run, head coach Jeff Jones believed the effort it took to cut the deficit took its toll.

"Sometimes you don't have the firepower to fight back that far, and when you do fight back, it takes a lot of energy," said Jones. "And it seems like we expended a lot of energy out there on the floor."

The Zephs were ignited by Chad Rex, who converted a few fast breaks during their comeback bid. The senior guard finished with 11 points to lead the Zephs.

However, they couldn't contain Zay Jennings who did damage both inside and out, finishing with a game-high 19 points for the Vikings. Jennings' ability to get his own shot proved a challenge for the Zephyr defense.

"You certainly have to guard him on the perimeter, and then he's able to put the ball on the floor a little bit and create some space, and then take a little step back and create his own shot," said Jones. "He's been doing that all year and we knew he would be doing that all night."

The Zephs were also hampered by foul trouble, specifically Radocha who had to sit in the first half.

Still, ACC used a balanced attack with seven players finding the score sheet, and then combined that with an aggressive defense that didn't allow Whitehall much room inside to score.

"They were the better team tonight, no question about it," said Jones. "They played more physical than we did; they executed better, and they certainly shot the ball better."

The Zephs had opportunities, especially early. They had a number of open looks but weren't able to convert.

"That's basketball," said Jones. "Sometimes the ball doesn't go the way you want it to."

Normally, Jones prefers a Saturday off after a Friday game, but in this case he welcomed the game.

"I think we need the game tomorrow to kind of wipe this taste out of our mouths," said Jones.

The game wasn't the elixir they needed as they lost to Hazelton High School, 60-42.

Once again they got off to a slow start, scoring only four points in the opening quarter against the Cougars. That was another hole that was too big to dig out from, sealing their fate from the opening period of play.