The Nansemond-Suffolk Academy boys’ basketball team was trying to make it two in a row after getting its first win of the season on Thursday, but it fell short against host Alliance Christian on Friday, losing 59-56.

“We were (9-of-20) from the foul line and really didn’t finish (shots),” NSA head coach Randolph Davis said. “We missed too many close shots.”

With a 13-11 lead after the first quarter, the Saints were down by four at halftime, but they managed to close the gap to 42-40 entering the fourth quarter.

NSA shot 44 percent from the field. Davis explained that they were getting the ball inside easily, but were not providing the finishing touch to ensure the ball went in.

“We’ve just got to learn to finish easy baskets,” he said. “I think it’s a concentration thing that we think we’ve got it made and we don’t.”

Freshman guard Morgan Wentz and junior forward Steven Minter had 15 points apiece to lead the Saints, and Minter added six rebounds. Junior John Hogan contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while freshman swingman Logan Lokie also had 11 points.

The stats represented new ground broken for the Saints this season, offensively.

“That’s the first time we had four guys in double figures,” Davis said.

This was the third time this year that NSA had faced Alliance Christian, with all three games being close.

“We’ve lost to them three times by a total of eight points,” Davis said.

NSA (1-12, 0-0) plays at home on Wednesday against Hampton Roads Academy.