An eight-point deficit in the first half proved to be too much for the Alden-Conger boys’ basketball team Friday night against Martin County West.

The Knights lost by a score of 55-45.

Dillan Lein led Alden-Conger with 21 points and eight rebounds, and Ryan Hansen added 10 points.

The loss was the fifth in a row for the Knights and they are now 1-8 on the season.

Alden-Conger will look to right the ship when it hosts Mabel-Canton on Tuesday, the last of three consecutive home games before it hits the road for two in a row.