Emmaus boys basketball head coach Steve Yoder knew it was going to be tough in the first week or two of the season, but he didn't think it would be as tough as Saturday's game against Liberty.

A couple of missed free throws and some failed layups were too much to overcome a late comeback effort, as Emmaus (1-0) fell in its opener to Liberty last Saturday night at Liberty High School.

It was the first official game of the new Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, as some of the other games in the 11th annual Yasso-Rothrock tournament were not considered league contests.

The Green Hornets were without their two sophomore guards in brothers David and Matt Kachelries, who were out with injuries.

It wasn't their absence that should be blamed for the missed opportunities that put Emmaus into an early hole. Emmaus made just 16 of 31 foul shots in the game.

Liberty jumped out to a 19-8 lead after one quarter, but not because they were outplaying the young Emmaus team.

"Our missed free throws are at the top of the list," Yoder said. "We got to the line and we could've been closer or taken a lead, but with those misses, the wheels came off quickly. You have to make your free throws and layups."

Yoder's lineup looked a little different from it did a year ago as David Kachelries will be back this week while his brother Matt is out until January.

Making his first career start, junior point guard Micaiah Fraction scored 10 points, and did his part, going 5-for-8 from the charity stripe. Brandon Rapose (9 points) also made his first start, and Yoder recognized the improved play and effort of Greg Jaindl (8 points).

"Micaiah [Fraction] had the ball in his hands a lot, and did a good job out there," said Yoder. "He made some free throws and did not make too many mistakes turning the ball over. For some of these young guys, they were a little star struck at first, but we battled back and I'm proud of their effort. I'd rather have a game like this in December than in February or March."

The Hurricanes (1-0) lead grew to as much as 29-9 midway through the first half, but the Hornets fought back to pull within 54-48 with 2:52 left, after junior Joey Polczynski had a steal and layup for Emmaus.

But on the other end, Liberty secured the win by hitting its free-throws down the stretch in this one.