Luke Christensen (25 points, 8 rebounds) and Noah Brumfield (20 points, 5 rebounds) once again led the Comets statistically.  Ethan Swedberg had a strong night with 9 points and 8 rebounds, Sean Berge scored 7 points and Gabe Swedenburg chipped in with 6 points and 3 boards.

“In the second half, we were able to run the lead to 20 a couple of times, but the Rockets did a great job of putting solid offensive possessions together to cut the lead to 10 or 12 a couple of times, but, again, our boys made some timely plays,” added Coach Garvin.  “An inside-out 3 from Luke to Lincoln Nash, and offensive rebound at the rim for Gabe, and a great screen from Leo Nordick to get Ethan to the rim.  I’m very proud of our second half composure against a very good Underwood team.”

Drew Evavold scored 15 points to lead Underwood.  Hudson Risbrudt joined him in double digits with 11. 

"This was a tough one for us," said Underwood Head Coach Kellen Shebeck. "We struggled to handle the ball and rebound tonight, which you have to give Hillcrest credit for. Their length gives us trouble, and we didn’t match intensity to start the game. But this is a learning experience, and we will be better because of it. Our guys have been playing well, and working their tails off. I couldn’t be prouder."

Hillcrest (19-3, 15-0 LEC) will face Hankinson at 7:00pm Saturday at NDSCS in Wahpeton.

Underwood (14-10, 9-7 LEC) had their five game winning streak end with the loss.  They will play Henning at 1:00pm Saturday, February 24 at Target Center, before closing out their regular season at home against Park Christian on Monday, February 26.