The Huntley Red Raiders lost to conference rival Crystal Lake South 60-55 on Friday night, moving the Raiders’ overall record to 6-10, with a conference record of 1-3.

In the first quarter, the Gators were in complete control of the game as they drained three after three as Huntley’s 2-3 zone defense was not working for them, making it 16-3 Gators at the end of the first.

The Raiders improved not only their defense in the second quarter, but also their offense, with multiple threes from guards Matt Seng and Danny Spoeth. On the other side, the Gators’ game plan was still working for them by distributing the ball to the corners and taking the open shot, which gave them a 33-21 lead going into the half.

The Raiders came back in the game in the third quarter with a big 13-0 run in the last two minutes of the third quarter, with points from Lere Oladipo, Kyle Nwogu, Seng, Spoeth, and Makombo Tizora.

“Our team was just getting open looks and we capitalized on every chance we got,” said Seng.

In the fourth, the Raiders and Gators were one and two, but the Raiders could not get rebounds during the middle of the fourth quarter, which hurt them since the Gators extended the lead by seven, and Huntley would eventually fall 60-55.

“We didn’t get the outcome that we expected, but I am happy of what my team was able to do today,” said head coach Will Benson.

Huntley’s next game will be against Downers Grove South at the MLK Tournament Jan. 16.