CRYSTAL FALLS — Forest Park succumbed to cold shooting in a 53-47 loss to Superior Central on Monday.

The Trojans (7-8) shot 17 of 55 (31 percent) on the night.

“Just had another night of the ball wouldn’t drop for us in the first half,” Forest Park head coach Chris Nocerini said. “First quarter we only scored four points and that’s just not going to win many basketball games. Superior Central did a nice job running their offense. They took their time and took nice high-percentage shots. That’s where we’re trying to get to but lately we’re struggling to get to that point.”

Forest Park battled to take the lead, outscoring the Cougars 15-6 in the third quarter. But Superior Central reasserted its offense, dumping 25 points in the fourth, along with free throws at the end to put the game away.

The Trojans were led by Max Nylund’s 21 points. He hit two 3-pointers and grabbed seven rebounds. Tommy Showers led Forest Park with nine boards.

Forest Park has lost three of its last four games.

“It wouldn’t bother me so much if we just played 15, 16 games and never hit shots throughout the season. What is frustrating is we have hit these shots before,” Nocerini said. “We just have to realize we’re going to have tough moments. Are we just going to accept that’s how we play now? I have faith in this group. I think they’re going to find a way to push through it. It’s not a time to get frustrated, it’s a time to work harder.”

The Cougars’ JV won.

The Trojans visit Norway on Tuesday.

Superior Central 14 8 6 25 — 53

Forest Park 4 10 15 18 — 47

SUPERIOR CENTRAL (53): Rondeau 22, Fink 15, Johns 14, Koski 2. FT: 16-25. F: 12. FG: 16-43. 3PT: 5-16 (Rondeau 4, Johns 1). Rebounds: 26 (Rondeau 10, Fink 10).

FOREST PARK (47): Nylund 21, Showers 9, Franz 5, Emmers 4, Peltoma 3, Hendrickson 3, Johnson 2. FT: 10-17. F: 20 (Emmers fouled out). FG: 17-55. 3PT: 3-17 (Nylund 2, Franz 1). Rebounds: 38 (Showers 9).