The Crusaders of Cleveland Christian played host to Rhea County Academy in varsity boys basketball Monday evening. It was a back and forth game from the beginning with Matthew Mathis hitting a 3-point shot following the opening tip. From there, the game stayed within eight points the rest of the evening, with Cleveland Christian coming up short by a score of 61-53.

The loss lands the Crusaders at 2-5 and 2-3 in Southern Christian Athletic Association play.

“The boys played as hard as they’ve played all year long. They just came up short at the charity stripe and got in foul trouble early,” coach John Thompson remarked after the game. “It probably cost them late in the game with several players fouling out.”

Xavier Jordan had his third straight double-double with 20 points and 19 rebounds, two blocked shots and four steals. Chris Reynolds added 17 points, three assists and six steals. Matthew Chambless had six points, Matthew Mathis added six points and six assists. Briar Lowe, Bo Martin and Naaman Mowery all scored two points each.

Cleveland Christian hosts Copper Basin middle and high school teams tonight with games tipping off at 4, 6 and 7:30.