GETTYSBURG – A pair of scoring surges helped lift Aberdeen Christian to a boys’ basketball win Thursday night.

The Knights scored eight unanswered points to start the second period, and then used a 12-2 run late in the fourth quarter to turn back Potter County 56-39 in non-conference action.

“Sometimes one or two runs can decide a game,” said Christian coach Matt Rohrbach.

Christian trailed 14-12 following the opening quarter before outscoring the Battlers 8-0 in the first six minutes of the second period to take a lead it never lost.

While the Knights were able to open a double-digit lead, the hosts hung around and eventually closed the deficit to 44-37 and had a good look at a 3-pointer with 3:40 remaining to slice the margin even more.

However, that shot was off the mark and Christian closed the contest outscoring the Battlers by 10 to ice the victory.

“Proud of our effort. Need to continue to string practices along as we try to continue to improve game by game,” Rohrbach said. “We didn’t shoot well tonight, but sometimes being able to find a way to win is more important than shooting your best.”

Brooks Jett had another huge game for Christian, following up career highs on Tuesday, finishing with 23 points and 16 rebounds. Dylan Hofer contributed 10 points, while Luke Kaiser added eight, and Ellis Russell had five points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.

The Knights, 5-2 on the season, take on 7-2 Timber Lake at a classic in Redfield Saturday afternoon.

Rohrbach said his initial thoughts on the Panthers is, “They are scrappy and have some good guards. We have the size advantage, which will be key for us.”

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (5-2): Jett Johnson 1 0-0 2, Dylan Hofer 4 2-2 10, Ellis Russell 1 1-2 5, Luke Kaiser 4 0-0 8, Brooks Jett 11 1-2 23, Raymond Rodriguez-Martinez 1 0-0 2, Grady Jett 3 0-0 6. Totals 26-40 4-6 56.

POTTER COUNTY (2-7): Stats not available.

Aberdeen Christian 18 24 38 56

Potter County 14 17 27 39

Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 8. Rebounds – Aberdeen Christian 41 (B. Jett 16, Russell 10). Turnovers – Aberdeen Christian 22. Assists – Aberdeen Christian 19 (Russell 7, Kaiser 5). Blocked Shots – Aberdeen Christian 4 (B. Jett 3). Steals – Aberdeen Christian 6.