Oak Ridge coach Joe Price thought his team had a shot.

After trailing Morton Ranch by as many as 25 points in the first half of the consolation finals in the Conroe Christmas Classic, the War Eagles had cut the deficit to seven with five minutes to play.

One problem. The Mavericks went back to their strong inside game and held on for a 67-54 victory.

“It’s tough to overcome 25 points,” Price said when it was over. “I told the team if we could get it to 10 with four minutes left, we might have a chance.

“But you’ve got to start so you can finish. In the first half, we weren’t getting back quickly enough on our transition defense.”

Morton Ranch improved to 10-7 with the victory while the War Eagles fell to 13-7. Oak Ridge will travel to play Klein on Thursday and will resume District 14-5A play on Jan. 7 against Conroe. click here for complete story and additional photos

Oak Ridge’s Trumaine Jefferson drives the lane after starting a fast break against Pasadena Memorial during the Conroe Christmas Classic on Saturday. To view or purchase this photo and others like it, visit HCNpics.com.

Oak Ridge’s George Buck drives to the basket against Pasadena Memorial’s Jeremy McCoy during the Conroe Christmas Classic on Saturday. To view or purchase this photo and others like it, visit HCNpics.com.