DELRAY BEACH – Both Atlantic and Boca Raton have already seen each other this year.

The first matchup was won by the Bobcats, but the Eagles did whatever was necessary to avoid a two-game losing streak to their crosstown rivals.

Both teams would struggle to find their shots early on in the first quarter as each team took shot after shot. Atlantic would lead 15-10 at the end of the first.

Boca Raton guard Cade Long would close the gap down to 24-22 midway through the second quarter after a long three-pointer cut Atlantic’s lead to two.

Both teams would be at the free throw line early and often. Atlantic center RJ Duhart would get the crowd hyped up as he made a thunderous slam dunk.

Atlantic would still lead going into the half 41-34.

Atlantic would open the second half and go on a quick 5-0 run that would force Boca Raton to call a timeout two minutes into the third quarter.

Boca Raton guard Maxime Demeus would end Atlantic’s run after he ran down the lane for a hard charging layup.

With three minutes left the third, Atlantic would go up by 12 points after Rodwens Albert scored on a fast break layup.

Atlantic would be leading 58-47 at the end of the third frame.

Boca Raton would cut Atlantic’s lead to seven with three minutes left in the fourth quarter after Long went 1-for-2 at the free throw line.

Adam Elotmani would make a huge three-pointer for Boca Raton as his team closed the gap down to four with 1:16 left in the game.

Elotmani would make back-to-back three-pointers, one of which came with 23 seconds left to cut the Eagles lead to two.

Atlantic would close the game out by making free throws at the line to fend off the surging Boca Raton squad in a narrow 72-69 victory.

Leading scorers for each team

Atlantic: Rodwens Albert with 18 points

Boca Raton: Cade Long with 26 points

Team records after tonight

Atlantic: 13-9

Boca Raton: 13-10