Mabton 61

ROYAL 57

ROYAL CITY - Despite a tough 61-57 home loss to Mabton on Tuesday, Royal Knights head coach Pete Christensen believes his team is on the right track.

"We are coming on at the right time and look forward to the next four games," Christensen said. "We are playing an exciting game at this time and will build from our successes even when the score is a little short."

Royal (7-9. 3-5) led 18-17 after the first quarter but then trailed 44-34 going into the fourth quarter before making a rally.

"Our kids hustled their back sides off," Christensen said. "We played an excellent zone defense and changed it up just often enough to keep Mabton on their toes.  We had our opportunities to take this game but we missed the short ones inside much too often."

Royal was led by Neil Lietz's 15 points, Kent Christensen's 13 points and the 10-point performances of Reed Lefler and Danny Vermeer.

Lefler led the Knights with 10 rebounds.

"We really need to win three of the last four if we want to assure ourselves a spot in the post season," Pete Christensen said. "We need that experience even if it is only to gain some experience for next year."