BYRON — Erasing a deficit that reached double digits by the end of the first quarter would be difficult enough against a sectional qualifier like Newman Central Catholic.

Doing so while making fewer than 10 field goals, and while going 2-for-16 from three-point land, made a comeback impossible Wednesday for the Seneca Fighting Irish.

The illness-ravaged Irish never seriously challenged the Comets during a 45-27 semifinal loss at the Class 2A Byron Boys Basketball Sectional. Seneca fell behind 17-6 during the first and never scored in double digits in a single quarter as the Newman lead remained comfortable.