By Shane PalmquistCardinal basketball was in high gear last week with Luverne hosting Windom Friday, then traveling down to Lennox, S.D., on Tuesday, winning both those games.That sets up a big week for the boys as they host Edgerton tonight, then play two huge conference games at home hosting third-ranked Marshall Friday and Pipestone Tuesday.LUVERNE 63, LENNOX 51Tuesday night Luverne traveled the interstate to Lennox looking to keep the momentum on their side. They did just that by shooting 19 of 29 from the free throw line and not allowing Lennox to shoot one. "Getting to the free-throw line that many times helps a lot, and not letting them shoot one … I don’t think that’s been done before," said Tom Coach Rops.Luverne led 43-28 at halftime but came out a little sluggish in the third allowing Lennox to close the gap to 47-43 after three quarters. "The guys played an excellent first half, probably the best half all year. We missed some shots in the third but kept our composure and made enough plays down the stretch to keep the lead."Brandon Deragisch recorded a double double, scoring 12 and pulling down 11 rebounds. John Tofteland and Brad Herman also had good games, both finishing in double digits, Tofteland with 12 points and Herman with 11.Luverne shot a little better than 50 percent from the field and held on to the ball with only six turnovers, which certainly increases the chances for a victory.LUVERNE 67, WINDOM 40A great all-around game both offensively and defensively from senior Brandon Deragisch led Luverne to another conference win at home Friday.This improves Luverne’s record to an impressive 10-2 mark. Deragisch finished the game with 11 points, six steals and pulled down seven rebounds.Coach Rops said, "We gave up some easy baskets early, but we took those away and swung the game into our favor."Trailing 17-15 after the first quarter and leading only by six at the half, Luverne came out firing in the second half. Building a 19-point lead to close out the third quarter, Luverne’s defense clamped down on the visiting Eagles, holding them to only 13 second-half points. "Our defensive pressure took a toll and wore them down," Rops said.Dusty Antoine caught the scoring fever as well, knocking down three 3-pointers and finishing with a game-high 15 points. Jared Pick also played a solid game on both sides of the court finishing with 11 points and six rebounds. John Tofteland contributed 10 points for Luverne. The team shot 37 percent from the field and forced 18 turnovers.