Cardinals fall to Perry in regular season finale, 49-45

The Newton boys basketball team ended its regular season on a sour note Thursday night, falling 49-45 at home to Perry (8-13).

The loss makes the Cardinals 9-11 on the season, having lost four of its past five games — all by four points or less. Six of Newton’s 11 losses this season have been by that same margin.

The Cardinals look to get one final win as it hosts Fort Dodge on Monday in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal game. The Dodgers are 4-16 this season and have lost their past four games. It will be the sixth straight home game for Newton, and the last one for seniors Brian Rose, Shamus Baltisberger, Scott Nilles and Alan White. Tipoff is at 7 p.m.