Poor shooting was a factor in the Escambia Academy Cougars 48-42 loss to Fort Dale Academy Tuesday night.

It was the first area loss for the Cougars this season.

“We were very cold in the second half,” coach Kevin Woods said. “We just couldn’t throw it in the ocean.”

Woods said the Eagles defensive adjustments deserved credit in the win.

“They started out in man and we were prepared for that and scored easily on them,” he said. “They switched to zone and we didn’t handle it well.”

Sophomore center Garrett Kirk led the team with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. Senior guard Jordan Sasser had 11 rebounds, eight assists and eight points. Jacob Dean added eight points in the loss, while Blake Quimby had eight rebounds.

The Cougars hosted Morgan Academy Friday night, but results were not available as of press time. EA will travel to Monroe Academy at 4 p.m. Tuesday for games starting at 4 p.m.