The Hoover boys’ basketball team lost its third game in a row Friday evening, losing, 78-41, in a home game against Crescenta Valley.

Justin Herrera (20 points) and James Akerman (9 points) led Hoover, putting up a fight even with some starters missing starters. 

“We’re shorthanded right now, we don’t have two players,” Akerman said. 

CV started with a big lead in the first quarter, leading,. 18-6, at the end of the first quarter, with most of the Falcons’ baskets made through layups.

“I was just trying to tell our team, don’t let them get layups, and just try to push the ball and score and get back in the game,” Akerman said.

After halftime, the third quarter was dominated by CV, where it maintained its lead.

“Hopefully the guys will internalize the fact that they were pressed when they were up by 30 points,” said Hoover Coach Jack Van Patten. 

Herrera added, “I’m just trying to get my team motivated, trying to get us back in the game.”

Coach Van Patten did not want to justify the loss due to missing players.

“There’s no excuses. You just gotta produce, and we didn’t produce, simple as that,” Van Patten said, “Hopefully our guys get [upset] off enough, so when we play them next time, we put the hammer to them.”