ROYAL CITY — The Royal Knights boys basketball team couldn’t quite overcome a five-point deficit Saturday night as the Cle Elum Warriors pulled away in the game’s final minutes.

The Knights recovered from a 16-point halftime deficit to pull within five points with two minutes remaining before the Warriors distanced themselves from Royal for the 55-42 victory.

With the Knights trailing at halftime, Royal head coach Peter Christensen switched to a full-court man press.

“We switched to a pressing man defense and let the boys run,” he said. “I was a little hesitant to let them go too early since we are not quite in basketball shape.”

While the Knights managed to pull within two possessions of Cle Elum late in the game, coach Christensen said his team had trouble shooting the basketball.

“We only shot 28 percent from the floor and 47 percent from the line,” he said. “I am sure these numbers will be coming up with a little more gym time.”

Royal senior Blair Collins led the Knights with 18 points and Trevor Iverson added seven points for Royal.

Junior Marc Albertson led Royal with nine rebounds and added five points and junior Will Christensen led the Knights on defense with six steals.

Although the Knights lost the contest, coach Christensen was proud of his team’s effort.

“My highlight (of the game) was that the guys never gave up,” he said. “Even with the huge point spread at (the) half they came out and fought hard up until the final buzzer.”

The Knights return to action Tuesday when they travel to Goldendale to take on the Timberwolves.

Tip off for Tuesday night’s contest is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.