MELLETTE – A three-minute stretch to start the third quarter jump started Aberdeen Christian Thursday night.

The top-rated Knights went on a 10-0 run to pull away from a halftime tie on the way to a 64-49 Lake Region Conference boys’ basketball win over Northwestern. Christian is now 14-0 on the season.

“It was a great atmosphere. It felt like a district-region battle,” said Christian coach Matt Rohrbach. “Northwestern is a quality ball club and gave us problems with their length.”

While Knights had a bit of struggle in the opening half with Northwestern’s zone defense, they were able to get out in transition in the third quarter to gain some separation.

Jackson Isakson and Malek Wieker each had four points during the pivotal surge.

“Jackson and Wieker helped set the tone running the floor and getting some layups,” Rohrbach said.

Not only that, but when the Knights were in the half court, they found creative ways to the basket, not settling for outside shots.

“Kaden (Clark) and Malek made some great passes in the second half, attacking the middle of their zone,” Rohrbach said, “and Ethan Russell and Jackson were on the money with their cuts.”

Once Christian was able to build its lead, the margin never got below double digits in the final quarter.

Isakson and Russell each scored 19 points to power the Knights. Wieker nearly had a triple-double, finishing with 10 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

“We’re happy to get the win with an all-around team effort,” Rohrbach said. “Now we need to turn around quickly and get ready for Saturday against Dell Rapids.”

Tip-off for that non-conference contest is set for about 3:30 p.m. at the Aberdeen Civic Arena.

Lincoln Woodring topped Northwestern with 19 points. Quintin Fischbach followed with 11, and Jude Ortmeier added nine. The Wildcats slipped to 10-4 on the campaign.

ABERDEEN CHRISTIAN (14-0): Andrew Brennan 1 2-2 4, Jackson Isakson 7 2-3 19, Ethan Russell 7 4-4 19, Malek Wieker 4 0-0 10, Kaden Clark 3 0-0 6, Konnar Furman 1 1-2 3, Joey Johnson 1 0-0 2. Totals 24-52 9-11 63.

NORTHWESTERN (10-4): Jude Ortmeier 4 1-2 9, Lincoln Woodring 8 0-2 19, Quintin Fischbach 4 3-5 11, Chase Neiber 2 2-3 6, Tanner Ewalt 1 0-0 2, Reilly Schmitt 1 0-0 2. Totals 20-55 6-12 49.

Aberdeen Christian 13 26 48 63

Northwestern 13 26 33 49

3-point field goals – Isakson 3, Russell, Wieker 2; Woodring 3. Total fouls – Aberdeen Christian 12; Northwestern 12. Rebounds – Aberdeen Christian 37 (Wieker 9); Northwestern 31 (Ortmeier 5, Fischbach, Neiber 5). Turnovers – Aberdeen Christian 11; Northwestern 7. Assists – Aberdeen Christian 14 (Wieker 8); Northwestern 13 (Neiber 4). Steals – Aberdeen Christian 3 (Isakson 2); Northwestern 7 (Neiber 3).