BELTON, MO. ? A comfortable rebounding advantage and sharp shooting at the free-throw line weren’t enough Saturday to propel Veritas Christian to a high school boys basketball victory.

Michael Kay scored 21 points, but Veritas fell to Belton (Mo.) Heartland, 52-50.

Veritas outrebounded Heartland, 33-25, and hit nine of 12 free throws, but the Eagles shot just 35 percent from the field.

“They played decent defense,” Veritas coach Doug Bennett said, “but we couldn’t make the open shots.

“We had some good looks late to take the lead, but we couldn’t get the big shots we needed.

Veritas (2-18) will play Flint Hills Christian on Tuesday in Manhattan.

Veritas girls 50, Belton Heartland 35

Belton, Mo. – The Veritas Christian girls basketball team pulled down 68 rebounds and relied on pressure defense.

Heartland shot 12-of-52. Of its 40 missed shots, Veritas rebounded 37 of them.

Kristie Tiegreen led the Eagles with 23 points and 24 rebounds. Marteka Carlton added seven points and 14 boards.

“I was really proud of Marteka today,” Veritas coach Kevin Shelton said. “She really hit some shots early and got us going. She helped out rebounding as well.”

Veritas improved to 7-12 and will travel to Flint Hills Christian on Tuesday.