SONORA — Despite missing two starters, Lathrop was able to hang with reigning Sac-Joaquin Section Division IV champion Sonora for three quarters before falling 81-63 in non-league action Monday.
The host Wildcats (9-1) were anchored by Austin Patterson’s 34 points. Sonora took advantage down the stretch as Lathrop (8-5) looked to extend the game by fouling, making 10 of 14 free throws in the fourth quarter.
The Spartans were still in the hunt by halftime trailing, 36-29. They were minus Daniel and Walton Whaley, their two best scoring guards who are out of town for the holiday break.
C.J. Ward tried picking up the slack, scoring a team-high 20 points. Eddie Cotton added 14 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
Sophomore guard Callahan Hanson contributed 16 points for Sonora, winner of four straight.
Lathrop returns to action Jan. 3 at Ceres where it begins its Western Athletic Conference schedule.