SUSSEX—Windsor boys lost 67-53 to Sussex on Tuesday night.

The Dukes fell to 4-11 overall and 1-9 in the Tri-Rivers District.

Sussex led 18-14 at the end of the first quarter on its home court and 36-26 at the half. The Dukes closed the gap at the end of the third, trailing 47-41.

Both teams came out playing hard, said Windsor Coach Chris Smith. Sussex’s three-quarter court trap did not initially hurt Windsor, but caused a few turnovers in the second quarter, which allowed Sussex to get a 10-point halftime lead.

Sussex also packed in their zone against Duke center Tony Walton in the first half, but Windsor hit open shots on the perimeter.

Forward Gavin Horton kept the Dukes in the game with his shooting, making four, three-pointers in the first half and scoring 17 points for the game.

Coming out in the second half, the Dukes started to use the size advantage inside, and Walton got going on the inside as Sussex went to a box in one on Horton along with a combination of half court traps and zones trying to stop the inside game.

The Dukes cut the lead to 4 late in the fourth quarter, but had to start fouling to stop the clock.

Sussex made free throws down the stretch, and a few more turnovers by the Dukes late gave the 14-point advantage and game to Sussex.

“I was pleased with our effort tonight,” Smith said. “Sussex is a solid team, tied for first in the district. We have lost several close games throughout this year, and this is just another hurdle we have to get over in order to progress as a team.”

Walton made 23 points and 12 rebounds. Guard R.J. Edwards had 8 assists, 6 points and 5 rebounds.