The Mathews High School varsity boys’ basketball team improved its record to 6-5 with a huge win over the defending Conference 42 champion Middlesex Chargers at home Tuesday night, 69-66.

The win puts the Blue Devils at a 2-0 mark in conference play with home games scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights.

Starting with the tip-off, the Devils came out on fire. Opening and maintaining a lead throughout the first quarter using their ball movement and some key three-pointers, leaving the Chargers at a standstill. The Devils stretched their advantage out to 29-14. However, Middlesex is an experienced ball club and came roaring back, heading into the half down only six.

The beginning of the third was more of the same, as the Chargers eventually turned the tide and took a two-point advantage. The teams traded blows and the lead for the next six minutes or so, and the score was deadlocked with three minutes to go. Foul trouble killed the Chargers down the stretch and allowed the Dev...