PALMYRA – There was no easing back into things for the Fuqua School boys basketball team following its Christmas break. The Falcons went 1-1 in the Fluvanna Christmas Tournament with a 72-48 loss to Fluvanna on the opening night, before rebounding to a 69-61 victory over Spotsylvania in the consolation game.

What went badly for the Falcons in the first game went well for them in the second.

Against Fluvanna, Fuqua dug an early hole and was able to climb out of it briefly in the third quarter before the Flucos used a big run to retake control of the contest and cruise in for the 24-point victory.

Trailing by 20 to start the second half, Fuqua scored the first ten points of the third period to cut Fluvanna's lead to ten points, but the Flucos responded with a quick finish to the third to retake control of the game and ease to the finish.

The Falcons (6-3) were led in scoring by center Boris Ngundji, who despite being saddled with foul trouble, scored a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds. Al Baker added 11 points and six rebounds, while Antonio Gonzalez and Josh Davis scored nine points apiece and Carter Cunningham added eight points and eight rebounds.

The Falcons committed 17 turnovers, while only being credited with two assists.

“We just didn't play well as a team tonight,” said FS head coach Marcus Gregory. “We couldn't find a rhythm, with the exception of our run in the third quarter.”

Things came easier for the Falcons in the tournament consolation game against Spotsylvania.

Fuqua led 32-30 at the half and 48-45 going into the third quarter, before putting some distance on Spotsylvania in the fourth.

Fuqua placed three players in double figures, and was led in scoring by Vasaun Boatwright, who scored 18 points. Ngundji added 17 to go along with 11 rebounds. Cunningham scored 12 points, while Gonzalez added eight.

Josh Davis and Davis Cyrus pulled down 12 and ten rebounds, respectively.

Fuqua will next play on Friday night at Tidewater Academy, before the Falcons travel to Prince Edward on Saturday for the first-ever regular-season meeting between the two Farmville schools.

“I'm proud of how we battled back from [Thursday] night,” said Gregory. “Hopefully, we can build on what we learn from this tournament and take it into the new year. The Fluvanna game showed us several areas we need to improve on if we hope to accomplish our goals by the end of the season.”