MELLETTE – Aberdeen Christian used a big defensive stand in the second quarter to open up some space on the scoreboard, allowing the Knights to move past Northwestern 59-34 Thursday evening in Lake Region Conference boys’ basketball action.

The Knights held a narrow 2-possession lead after the opening stanza, but buckled down defensively in the second quarter, holding the host Wildcats to just two points in that frame.

That surge allowed the Knights to take control of the contest for the duration of the night.

“Proud of our effort and intensity,” said Christian coach Matt Rohrbach. “Fun atmosphere and exciting to see our kids start to believe in themselves and each other.”

Brooks Jett turned in another solid performance, finishing with 19 points, one of three Knights in double figures. Luke Kaiser finished with 14 and Jett Johnson followed with 11.

Dylan Hofer added nine points to the Knights’ total. Kaiser also doled out six assists, while Ellis Russell hauled down nine boards in the win.

Christian, 10-4 on the season, is slated to host Mobridge-Pollock Monday evening at the Aberdeen Civic Arena. Northwestern is scheduled to play Waubay-Summit Saturday in Waubay.

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (10-4): Jett Johnson 4 2-2 11, Dylan Hofer 4 1-2 9, Ellis Russel 1 0-1 2, Luke Kaiser 7 0-0 14, Brooks Jett 8 2-2 19, Grady Jett 1 0-0 2, Ethan 1 0-0 2. Totals 26 5-7 59.

NORTHWESTERN (4-9): Scoring not available.

Aberdeen Christian 15 28 42 59

Northwestern 11 13 25 34

3-point field goals – Johnson, B. Jett. Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 12. Rebounds – Aberdeen Christian 29 (Russell 9). Assists – Aberdeen Christian 13 (Kaiser 6). Turnovers – Aberdeen Christian 8. Blocks – Aberdeen Christian 1 (B. Jett). Steals – Aberdeen Christian 7 (Johnson 3).