By Jacob Mathias

The Assumption Royals varsity boys basketball team couldn’t pull out the win during a close matchup against the Newman Catholic Cardinals at their home court on December 15.

This game comes as the second loss in a row for Assumption, following a 53-62 defeat by the Antigo Red Robins a week earlier. The Royals record now stands at 2-5 overall and 0-1 in Marawood-South Conference play.

The Royals and Cardinals played a close game from the beginning but a lesser defensive showing by the Royals made the difference.

Leading offensively for the Royals was junior guard Trevor Newton with 15 points and seven assists. Senior point guard Brady Baltus and junior guard Jake Sullivan each added 13 points to the total.

The Cardinals came out ahead defensively, pulling down 21 rebounds to the Royals’ 15.

Lead scorers for the Cardinals were senior forward Dane Fronek with 23 points and senior guard Bailey Lemke with 14.

The Royals return home on December 18 to take on the Auburndale Apaches at 7:15 PM. Then head to Stratford on December 21 to play the tigers at 7:15 PM.