The South Whidbey boys basketball team engaged in a fast and furious contest with visiting Anacortes on Wednesday, but ended on the losing side, 84-81.

The Falcons led by seven points after the first quarter, two at the half and six after the third period, but the defense collapsed in the final two minutes and the Seahawks pulled out the win.

Anacortes head coach Brent Senff said he knew the game was going to be an up-and-down contest and felt the two teams were evenly matched.

“That’s how we play all our games,” he said. “We also concentrated on containing (Riley) Newman in the second half, but it wasn’t easy because he’s tough to defend against.”

Riley Newman led South Whidbey with 31 points. Fellow Falcon Jordan Thornley had 15, Shelby Ball taxed the twine for 10, Cole Erikson added seven and Jordan Dibble and Sean George contributed four each.