The Alden-Conger boys’ basketball team dug itself an early deficit that it couldn’t overcome against Mankato Loyola Monday in a 74-66 loss in Mankato.

The Knights (7-17) trailed by 13 at halftime and eventually trimmed the lead to four in the second half, but the Crusaders held on by hitting free throws late.

Travis Marth and Brandon McTague both led Alden-Conger with 16 points and Lucas Kleinschrodt added 14 points.

Jake Wesely hit from all over the court en route to finishing with 29 points for Mankato Loyola.

The Knights play Blooming Prairie Tuesday in Alden.

Mankato Loyola 74, Alden-Conger 66

Alden-Conger 28 38 — 66

Mankato Loyola 41 33 — 74

Alden-Conger scoring: Travis Marth 16, Brandon McTague 16, Lucas Kleinschrodt 14, Spencer Niebuhr 6, Tyler Adix 6, Matt Jensen 2, Jordan Mulso 2, Michael Reyerson 2, Cam Majerus 2.

ML scoring: Jake Wesely 29, Taydor Gach 18, Toby Turbes 11, Bo Schmidt 4, Ike Hermer 3, Luke Hermer 3, Austin Maher 2, Mack Douglass 2, Danny Solheid 2.