The top-ranked boys’ basketball team pulled out yet another close win over their rivals, the DeLaSalle Islanders, by the score of 60-59. The overflowing gym at DeLaSalle created a hostile environment towards the Red Knights.

The game was close throughout, with both teams trading baskets, but the Red Knights took a 34-27 lead into halftime with the help of senior forward Sanjay Lumpkin, who scored 14 of his 20 points in the first half.

Both teams came out firing in the second half, and DeLaSalle cut the gap to three points within the last minute of the game. The Islanders eventually took the lead 59-58 on three free throws with 30 seconds left in the game.

The Red Knights kept their composure, following the lead of senior guard Isaiah Zierden who hit a pull up jumper just outside the free throw line with 18 seconds left, giving him 17 points on the night. Zierden’s shot would end up being the game winning shot as the fifth-ranked Islanders couldn’t convert on the other end, and the Red Knights escaped.

Other contributors for the Red Knights were senior guards Will Dunn and Isaiah Gray, who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. ‘Rivalry week’ concludes for the Red Knights on Thursday, Feb. 9, as they face their inner-city rivals St. Louis Park.