The Northside Christian Academy boys basketball team came up short Tuesday against Thomas Sumter Academy.

Despite managing to keep the score close throughout much of the game, the Crusaders fell 55-48 to the Generals. 

Both teams started the night slowly, with Thomas Sumter moving the ball around well in the first half. The Crusaders took advantage of scoring off transition points to lead at the half 24-21. 

In the third period, foul shooting ramped up as both defenses tightened down. It remained close with multiple lead changes until Thomas Sumter Academy led 41-39 at the 3:40 mark in the fourth quarter.

The Generals capitalized off a 6-0 run go up 47-39 with 2:40 remaining. Northside Christian pulled within three with 24 seconds remaining, but the Generals defense held and secured the win with free throws down the stretch. 

Dylan Harris scored 22 points, Jeb Reiser had 19 for Northside Christian (7-8, 3-2). Matthew Hawkins led Thomas Sumter with 19, while Austin Anderson scored 17.

The Northside Christian boys return to action Thursday for a non-SCISA contest against Pelion at home. The varsity game starts at 6:30 p.m. following the 5 p.m. junior varsity game. 

In girls varsity action, Northside Christian Academy won over Thomas Sumter Academy 32-31. The Lady Crusaders improve to 9-6 overall, 3-1 in the region. They travel to Robert E. Lee Academy Friday.