The Charles Henderson Lady Trojans forced overtime on Tuesday afternoon, but committed too many turnovers and lost 55-51 to the Class 6A Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots on day one of the Ballin Prep Invitational in Birmingham.

The loss for the Trojans gives them their second loss of the season and second consecutive loss after they fell to Hoover in the finals of the Hoover Big Orange Tournament on Thursday night.

“We had defensive breakdowns tonight,” said Trojans assistant coach Rachel Taylor. “We fell behind early and we had to fight our way back by making some shots and getting key rebounds and put backs.”

The Trojans fell behind early 11-2 to Hillcrest Tuscaloosa. After making a stretch run in the second quarter the Lady Trojans pulled to within two points at 25-23 heading to the locker at halftime.

The Trojans carried their momentum into the second half before the Patriots implemented a full-court press, forcing the Trojans into turnovers.

“They were pressuring the ball,” Taylor said. “They had a 1-2-2 press on us and we made some turnovers down the stretch that cost us.”

Late in regulation with the Trojans down by three points, Maori Davenport hauled in a rebound off a missed shot that she passed back outside to teammate Niaira Jones who drained a three pointer sending the game into an extra session.

Just like in the opening quarter, the turnover bug bit the Trojans, making the difference in the loss.

“We made some turnovers at the end of the game that they were able to score layups on,” Taylor said.

Even with the loss the Trojans felt they were the better team on the court on Tuesday afternoon.

“I think it was us and what we didn’t do,” Taylor said. “I don’t think they were the better team. We had breakdowns, we had the turnovers and we let them get some offensive rebounds. We have to do a better job at taking care of the ball and getting it down the floor.”

Tatyana Siler led the way for the Trojans with 18 points, while Jones finished the game with 15 points. Maori Davenport also finished in double figures with 11 points.

The Trojans will be back in action today when they take on Huffman at 11 a.m. and White Haven at five.