The Mathews High School Blue Devils varsity boys’ basketball team was defeated by the state runner-up Westmoreland Eagles Monday night, 78-52, in the Blue Devils’ home opener.

Both teams fought back and forth during the beginning of the game, leading to a 16-16 tie at the end of the first quarter. The stout defense and quick-paced offense allowed the Blue Devils to keep the game close. The Blue Devils lost momentum in the third quarter, propelling the Eagles to a sizable lead.

Senior Tae Legette led the Blue Devils in scoring with 28 points, followed by sophomore Tre Greene with 16. Center Jordyn Cosby led the team with 14 rebounds.

“We fought hard against a really good Westmoreland team,” head coach Josh Grein said. “They jumped on us early and we scraped our way back and took the lead towards the end of the first quarter. We were right in the game at halftime. Their pressure intensified in the second half and we struggled, but continued to fight. We learned a lot about our ...