Boys basketball aims to improve to an 8-7 record tonight, as it goes on the road to take on the 16-5 Wagner Thunderbirds.

The team is coming off three tough losses during the holiday break, the most recent against East Central, a close game that ended 61-56 in the Hornets’ favor.

For senior Alex Peavy, the losses provided a stepping stone for improvement and mental growth.

“We learned the level of energy and focus we need to play at to win tough games like that,” Peavy said. “If we play the way we’re capable of playing, then things will work out for us.”

The budding mental and physical toughness of the team will face its biggest test against a Wagner team that currently ranks 10th in the state and 28th nationally.

The game tips off at 7 p.m. on the Thunderbirds’ home court.