MONTE VISTA – It was a tight battle all the way when the Monte Vista High School boys basketball team hosted Del Norte Tuesday at the MVHS gym. But when the dust settled, the final result was a 51-45 victory by the Tigers.

Ben Parra made two free throws, and T.J. Sanchez made a layup for an early 4-0 Del Norte lead. Alejandro Felix scored the Pirates’ first points, and they went on a 6-0 run to take their first lead at 6-4.

Del Norte scored the next four points, but Monte Vista scored the final three points of the first quarter to take a 9-8 edge.

The Pirates scored the first seven points of the second quarter for a 16-8 advantage. Parra made two 3-point baskets in a 13-2 Del Norte run which saw the Tigers go back in front at 21-18.

The Tigers led at halftime 23-19.

The Pirates were able to close within a two-point deficit on a couple of occasions in the third quarter, but the Tigers closed out the period on a 5-2 run and they had a 33-28 lead.

The Pirates were able to get as close as a four-point deficit on several occasions in the fourth, but they could come no closer.

Parra was Del Norte’s top scorer with 18 points, followed by Michael Laymon with 13. Memphis Garcia led Monte Vista with 15.

Del Norte (10-5, 4-0 Southern Peaks) will host Crested Butte on Friday. Monte Vista (7-6, 1-2) will host South Park on Friday.

Del Norte 51, Monte Vista 45

Del Norte – Gallegos 0 2-2 2, Sanchez 3 2-2 9, T. Atencio 2 1-3 5, Laymon 3 7-8 13, Parra 4 8-9 18, Pacheco 1 2-4 4, Crowell 0 0-0 0. Total 13 20-23 51.

3-point goals – Parra 2, Sanchez 1. Total 3.

Monte Vista – Heredia 4 0-0 9, Gunter 0 0-0 0, Chavez 2 0-1 4, Garcia 4 6-6 15, Felix 2 4-5 9, Madrid 0 0-0 0, Marquez 0 1-2 1, Mellott 1 0-3 2, Hurtado 2 1-5 5. Total 13 11-22 45.

3-point goals – Felix 1, Garcia 1, Heredia 1. Total 3.

Del Norte 8 15 10 16 – 51

Monte Vista 9 10 9 17 – 45

Fouls – Del Norte 21, Monte Vista 24. Fouled out – Laymon; Felix.