RABBITTOWN - It didn't match the intensity of last year's classic battle, but the Class AAA defending champion East Hall boys basketball team did just enough right to beat the defending Class A champ Whitefield Academy Friday night.
The No. 3-ranked Vikings hit 39 free throws for the game in holding off the No. 3-ranked Wolfpack 69-64.
The Vikings (23-2) wasted a seven-point lead midway through the third quarter after it looked like they were ready to take control.
Whitefield (17-7) came back to tie the game at 50-50 but then East Hall, behind its free throw shooting, was able to hold on down the stretch.