TACOMA — Life Christian beat Ilwaco 71-63 Friday, Dec. 6.

The Fishermen went ahead by six points on the defending league champs in the early going but fell behind by 12 in the first half. But Ilwaco cut the lead to two by halftime, and “it was neck-and-neck for most of the second half,” Ilwaco coach Tim Harrell said.

Ilwaco had a chance to set up a close finish. Late in the game, Ilwaco cut the lead to four and got out in transition after a defensive stop. Jaden Turner found freshman Alex West for an open three, which he made. But as he was about to shoot, officials whistled the play dead because of an injured Life Christian player back at the other end, Harrell said.

Harrell indicated that officials were calling a tight game, which made free throw shooting crucial. The Eagles were more accurate from the line, hitting 31 of 38 to Ilwaco’s 19 for 34.

Ilwaco fell to 1-1, while Life Christian improved to 2-0 in league play.