A foul-filled first quarter plagued the Coupeville boys basketball team in its 65-24 loss to visiting Sultan Friday, Jan. 27.

The Wolves committed 16 fouls in the first quarter to help the Turk zip to a 26-9 lead. By halftime Sultan had shot 22 free throws and led 43-12.

Coupeville coach Anthony Smith said, “It was really a different game (because of the fouls)…we couldn’t get into any rhythm.”

After the first-half foul fest, the official called only eight fouls in second half, seven on Coupeville.

Smith said his team played tough, especially Aaron Curtin, but ran out of gas in the second half, which resulted in an increase in turnovers.

The Turks, who led 54-18 after three quarters, only outscored the Wolves 22-12 in the second half.

Mitch Pelroy scored eight points for Coupeville, followed by Curtin with seven, Gavin O’Keefe with four, Drew Chan with two, Taylor Ebersole with two and Carson Risner with one.

Brock VandenEkart, who scored 23 points in the first half, led Sultan with 30 points and 16 rebounds.

Coupeville (0-11, 0-15) goes to Lakewood (4-7, 5-12) Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 7 p.m.