Free-throw disparity and a lopsided fourth quarter cost Sterling in its Western Big 6 Conference opener against Rock Island on Tuesday night at Musgrove Field House.

After leading by as many as 14 points, Sterling fell 59-53 to the visiting Rocks.

The Golden Warriors (1-1, 0-1 Big 6) were called for 27 fouls to Rocky’s seven.

The Rocks were 20 of 35 at the line, hitting 11 free throws during a 28-10 advantage in the fourth quarter. Three starters fouled out for Sterling in the loss.

“I think we just made a lot of poor choices,” Sterling coach Taylor Jackson said. “Obviously it was called a certain way, and I think we didn’t react and respond to that the way that we should have.

“I didn’t necessarily think it was equitable, but also at the same time, we need to be better at respondin

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