The Phoenix boys' basketball team has been hoping for better starts to its games. The Pirates got that on Friday night but weren't able to turn in into a victory in a 59-44 Skyline Conference loss to visiting Mazama.

The Friday the 13th contest started on a strong note for Phoenix, which took a 16-9 lead late in the first quarter. The visiting Vikings found their groove, tying the game after a quarter before blitzing Phoenix in the second quarter and taking a 33-20 halftime lead.

Phoenix rallied during the second half, cutting the lead to as few as six points but couldn't overcome the deficit in the conference opener for both teams. 

Eighteen turnovers and a five-for-13 showing at the free throw line led to Phoenix's woes. 

Dylan Harper's 15 points led Phoenix, which fell to 7-8 overall. The Pirates return to action on January 20 at Klamath Union.

Mazama (59): Hubble 7, Anderson 5, Hunt 9, Agular 12, Worrell 24, McDonald 2. 22 field goals, 8-17 free throws. 3-Point: Hubble, Hunt 2, Agular, Worrell 3.

Phoenix (44): Trenbeath 6, Je. Selden 0, Mooring 6, Ja. Selden 0, Ponce 2, Hernandez 4, Harper 15, Talbot 6, Decker 4, Bolstad 3. 18 field goals, 5-13 free throws. 3-Point: Mooring, Hernandez, Bolstad, Talbot 2. 

M - 10 23 12 14 - 59

P - 13 7 9 15 - 44