The O’Neal boys’ basketball team fell at Village Christian 74-57 Monday in Cape Fear Independent Conference action.

The Falcons spotted the homestanding Knights a 48-33 halftime lead, but used a solid defensive effort to close within 11 in the fourth quarter. The rally fell short, giving the Knights the win.

O’Neal (9-12 overall, 4-4 conference) was led by Jack Johnston and Jacob Talbert, who each had 15 points, as Luke Elliott contributed 13 points. Village was paced by Adrian Rich with 18 points.

The Falcon defense came through early in Friday’s 53-37 conference win over Fayetteville Christian in Fayetteville. O’Neal took a 23-9 first-half lead, then finished with a flourish, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter.

John Roger Moore led the Falcons with 14 points and Talbert added 10 points and eight rebounds. Fellow Falcons Elliott and Garrett Klumpar each added eight points, and Jack Johnston contributed seven points and five rebounds.

The Warriors were led by Nathan Hewitt with 17 points.

O’Neal was scheduled to play at Fayetteville Academy on Tuesday.