When opportunity knocks, don’t lock the door.

That seemed to be the case with the Rock Hill Redmen after a big comeback fell short in a 51-43 loss to the Federal Hocking Lancers on Tuesday.

Rock Hill fell behind by 15 points before getting within three. But the Redmen couldn’t capitalize on their opportunities as they fell to 2-5 on the season.

“They missed some free throws and we couldn’t take advantage. We did battle and get back into it, and we had our chances, but we could never get the lead,” said Rock Hill coach Adam Simpson.

Grant Smith scored 14 of the Lancers’ 18 in the first quarter for an 18-12 lead. Dustin Chandler and Jeremy Blagg had four each for the Redmen.

Tyler Thompson and Justin Stanley combined for nine points as the Lancers built a 15-point lead in the second quarter and led 32-22 at the half. Blagg had four points for the Redmen.

Brandon Klaiber scored five points in the third quarter to get Rock Hill within 38-31 at the end of the third quarter. Thompson had all six of Federal Hocking’s points.

With Klaiber scoring six points and Luke Simpson hitting a 3-poiner, Rock Hill cut the deficit to 46-43 and the Lancers missed six straight free throws, but the Redmen were unable to convert on the other end.

Thompson scored seven points in the quarter to help fight off the Redmen.

Blagg and Klaiber scored 13 points each to pace Rock Hill.

Thompson had 20 points and Smith 15 to lead the Lancers.

Fed. Hocking 18 14 6 13 = 51

Rock Hill 12 10 9 12 = 43

FEDERAL HOCKING (3-4): Brenden Torrence 0 0 1-4 1, Grant Smith 6 1 0-4 15, Tyler Thompson 3 4 2-5 20, Dewayne Clark 2 0 3-6 7, Justin Stanley 2 0 4-6 8. Totals: 13 5 10-25 51. Fouls: 11. Fouled out: None.

ROCK HILL (2-5): Jeremy Blagg 3 0 7-8 13, Luke Simpson 0 1 0-0 3, Brandon Klaiber 6 0 1-3 13, Ryan Albright 1 0 0-0 2, Dustin Chandler 3 0 0-0 6, Sam Cooke 3 0 0-0 6, Herbie Butterbaugh 0 0 0-0 0, Adam Fradd 0 0 0-0 0. Totals: 16 1 8-11 43. Fouls: 16. Fouled out: None.