The Alden-Conger girls’ basketball team had won five of its past seven games, and the Knights brought a two-game winning streak into Thursday’s matchup with Mankato Loyola, a team that was 9-1 coming into the game.

The Crusaders built a lead early in the first half and were up 11 points at halftime. Mankato Loyola extended its lead in the second half to win 57-36.

The Crusaders did a good job keeping Alden-Conger star Erika Bute in-check. Bute still managed to finish the game with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Abbie Theusch finished with eight points for the Knights.

Alden-Conger won’t have much time to think about Thursday’s game, as it will travel tonight to play Cleveland, and then will be in Blooming Prairie on Saturday.