LANTANA – After jumping out to an early 38-21 lead, the Forest Hill Falcons looked like they were going to cruise to another victory once again.

The Santaluces Chiefs had other things in mind, though. They erased that 17-point deficit and eventually squeaked out a 91-85 win.

Both teams were exchanging baskets to start the game off with Forest Hill holding a slight edge, 21-18, late in the first. The Falcons went on a 17-3 run that looked like it was going to turn ugly.  

The Chiefs didn’t give up, though, and went on a run of their own. Their 17-4 run closed the gap to a four-point game, 42-38, heading into the half.

The Chiefs then came out in the second quarter to prove that their run wasn’t a fluke. They outscored the Falcons 29-11 in the third quarter, taking a 67-53 lead into the fourth.

The Chiefs and Falcons fought back and forth to start off the quarter with Forest Hill still trailing by 14, 77-63.

The Falcons closed the gap a little but were still trailing by 7, 81-74, with just two minutes to go.

The Falcons then went on a 11-4 run over the next minute to pull within two (87-85 deficit).

That was as close as they got though, as Santaluces closed the game out with four straight free throws to secure the 6-point win.

Santaluces junior Kemari Brown led the team with 28 points, 20 of which came in the second half.

Forest Hill senior Torrin Andrews led the way for his team with 24 points.

REGULAR SEASON FINALE MATCHUPS

Forest Hill (21-3) looks to finish off its regular season this Friday night (Feb. 8) at home against Inlet Grove.

Santaluces (17-7) finishes off its regular season on Saturday (Feb. 9) at home against Cardinal Newman.