After winning five games in a row, the Union boys’ basketball team hit a speed bump on Monday, Jan. 31 at home, taking a loss, 48-77, for the second time this season to No. 7 – previously No. 1 – Aplington-Parkersburg. But based on score alone the Knights were much better able to manage the formidable Falcons by more than halving their Jan. 4, 2022, 60-point loss. Not much had changed on the Falcons’ part since the last time the two teams faced each other. A-P’s defense was still operating as a swarming mass while their trademark quick steals continued to give spectators whiplash and their passing game floated from fingertip to fingertip at an equally quick speed. But to Union head coach Corey Lorenzen’s credit, the Knights seemed much more prepared for the challenge on Monday night. Starting forward Grant Behrens (13) was the lead scorer for the Knights with 15 points and four assists while starting guard TJ Freeland (24) led the defense with five rebounds. Heading into the week, Behrens has amassed the most points total this season for the Knights with 286 while Freeland has racked up the most rebounds for the team with 165. Following the Jan. 31 loss, Union dropped a game on the road to conference leader Jesup before beating Columbus Catholic at home on Friday, Feb. 4. The Knights are now 11-9 for the season, 4-5 in conference play. Union begins its postseason on Valentine’s Day against Columbus Catholic again at home beginning at 8:00 p.m.