The Morgan Academy boys hung around, but ultimately suffered their first loss of the season, as they fell 59-48 at home to Tuscaloosa Academy on Tuesday.

Bob Taylor, head boys basketball coach of Morgan Academy (4-1), said it was a tough loss, but he likes how his team has started the season.

“I’m real pleased with where we are so far. Tonight was kind of a test to see where we stand. Tuscaloosa’s one of those traditional basketball powers. Tonight, we kind of hung with them for a while,” Taylor said. “They hit free throws down the stretch and we got in a little foul trouble there, but the kids played so hard and I’m pleased with where we are. We’ve still got some work to do, but we’re getting better.”

The Senators trailed 7-1 early, but eventually tied the game at 11-11 in the first quarter.

Morgan took a 23-22 lead with seconds left in the first half as Dalton Lee buried a 3-pointer, but went into halftime trailing 24-23.

Foul trouble hurt the Senators in the second half, as free throws helped Tuscaloosa secure the win.

Connor Henderson led Morgan with 17 points and 18 rebounds, while Lee had 14 points.

The Morgan girls and boys will return to action on Dec. 7 at the Southern Academy Tournament.