The Mathews High School varsity boys’ basketball team’s record stayed at .500 after falling to Surry and defeating Sussex in the Joseph A. Ellis Memorial Tournament.

In the first round on Saturday, the Devils faced a strong veteran Surry team. The Cougars came out hot from behind the three-point line and went into halftime up by eight. The Devils closed it to within two in the third but they just didn’t have the depth to contend. The Devils eventually fell, 70-60.

The Sussex Tigers fell in a heartbreaker to Portsmouth Christian setting up Tuesday’s consolation matchup. Coming out the gate, the Devils were hot and held the Tigers to 16 points heading into the half. The teams traded blows but the Devils maintained a lead throughout the game. The Devils eventually won the game, 48-45. Leaders on the night for Mathews were Stuart Anderson, Elijah Willis and Ethan Armistead.

Mathews (5-5) will be back on the court on Tuesday when the Devils host the Middlesex Char...