HUNTINGTON, IND. - The Marian Knights fell 63-71 against (RV) Huntington, wrapping up the first half of the Crossroads League season. The Knights move to 2-7 in the Crossroads League and 4-15 overall on the season. 

Huntington won the tip and got off to an early 7-0 run before Josiah Gustin was able to break up the run with a jumper. The Foresters continued to push with another 3-0 run before Dylan Moles fired off a jumper. Huntington fired off another three-pointer, but Marian was able to counter with four baskets from Aaron Humphrey Jr. to bring the score 17-9. Each team fired off four baskets, with Elhadj Diallo recording the baskets for the Knights. Diallo continued his scoring stretch with a three-pointer to bring the margin down to 24-20. 

With eight minutes remaining in the first half, Huntington fired off a three-pointer and one to increase their lead back to eight. Marian was able to outscore the Foresters three baskets to one, with Gustin and Diallo recording the baskets, bringing the score 31-25 in favor of Huntington with five minutes remaining in the half. Each team fired off a pair of baskets with Aiden Franks and Gustin recording the points for the Knights, maintaining the six-point margin. Huntington closed out the half with a pair of baskets, extending their lead to 40-29. 

Huntington opened up the second half with a trio of baskets, extending their lead to 15. Humphrey Jr. fired off the first basket of the half for the Knights, but the Foresters were able to counter with a jumper. Marian outscored Huntington six baskets to four, with Ron Rutland III, Humphrey Jr., Gustin, and Diallo recording the baskets to bring the margin down to three.

With eight minutes left in the game, Huntington fired off a pair of jumpers, but Moles was able to decrease the blow with a pair of free throws. Each team fired off a pair of baskets with Diallo and Rutland III recording the points for the Knights. The Foresters fired off two more baskets compared to Diallo's one before the game turned into a free-throw match-up in the final minutes, allowing Huntington to take the 71-63 win. 

Elhadj Diallo led the way with 23 points while Josiah Gustin also broke into the double digits with 15 points. Aaron Humphrey Jr. led the way in rebounds with 10 and recorded nine points. Dylan Moles led the way with two steals while Humphrey Jr. and Ron Rutland III recorded one each.

The Knights will be back in action on January 24th, starting the second half of the Crossroads League season as they take on No. 3 Bethel at 3 PM in the P.E. Center. 

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