Technically, Monday night’s game against Hazelwood West was nothing short than riveting. The Wildcats (10-5) claimed a 80-69 victory over the Pirates (3-6).

Hazelwood West  11  24  21  24  80

Pattonville              12  16  14  27  69

Something very sinister happened in the first half, however. Several Pattonville players and coaches were issued technical fouls resulting in several Hazelwood West free throws that allowed them to take the lead and keep it.

With 4:23 left in the 2nd quarter, the first technical foul was called, followed up by another with 4:06 remaining. At that point, the game was tied 22-22.

Then at 1:38 left in the half, three technical fouls were issued to Pattonville’s team back-to-back-to-back. Hazelwood West’s starting point guard Casey Jones Jr. went to the line to shoot free throws and made 5 of his 6 attempts. That increased the Wildcats’ lead to 35-27.

Pattonville head coach Kelly Thames commented on the calls.

“I’m not even completely sure what happened, just like you guys,” he said. “The referees didn’t explain it to me, but to my knowledge, I and several of my players got a technical. At one point, it was four technicals in under 30 seconds.”

Derrick Boyce III kept the game going for the Pirates with his 25 points. The player famously nicknamed DB3 was 8-for-12 from the free throw line.

Other players were contributive too. David Ellison Jr. and Larry Washington had 10 points apiece. Shawn Brooks was close behind with 9, along with Michael Jackson with 7. Other scorers included Mario Rowland (4), Ezra Jakob (2), and Dante Wade (2).

Brian Gray (18), Jihad Thornton (18, 12-13 FT), Casey Jones Jr. (17, 7-12 FT), and Marvin Wilson (11) all scored in double-digits for Hazelwood West.

The Pirates next play at Trinity Catholic on Jan. 10 at 7:15 p.m.