The Sigma Alpha Chi Spartans beat the Pi Gamma Delta Royals 48–41 Tuesday night.

Opening the game with a layup by Judson Greene, the Royals took advantage of the stagnant Spartan offense to begin the game on a 12–2 run.

Other than some free throws, Sigma continued their poor shooting throughout the first half.

Greene took the ball to the basket again and got another layup to extend the Royals’ lead to 16–5, but the Spartans proceeded to go on a 10–3 run, cutting the Royals’ lead to just four at the half.

Greene started the scoring in the second half with another lay up, and the Royals continued to go into the post to find their offense, taking a 26–15 lead.

Sigma quickly retaliated by going on a 13–0 run punctuated by a Will Gingery three-pointer. Alex Kipp ended the run with a layup despite a foul, and he knocked down the free throw to complete the three-point play.

The Spartans’ lead dwindled to just one before Gingery hit a three-pointer, giving Sigma the 37–33 lead.

The Royals’ Hart quickly retaliated with a strong take and layup before Kipp was fouled on a three-point attempt. Kipp knocked down all three free throws, giving Pi Gamma the lead.

That was as close as the Royals would get. The Spartans went on a 5–0 run to give regain the lead.

Down the stretch, the Spartans hit their free throws and held off the Royals’ offense enough to give Sigma a 48–41 win.

“We showed determination to keep fighting when we were down at the beginning of the game,” Gingery said. “We started to push the tempo, and then we were able to find our shots and knock them down.”

Both teams look to take what they learned from this game into the playoffs. ​

With the win, the Spartans moved to 7-0 overall and are in sole possession of first place in the National League. The Royals are in 4th place with a 5-2 record.