ARLINGTON — The Arlington boys basketball team showed they can hang with the best, forcing Lake Stevens to play all 24 minutes to earn the 61-60 win.

The Vikings entered Arlington tied with M-P for first place in Wesco North and held onto their share of first despite big performances from the Eagle starters.

An early start buoyed Lake Stevens. The guests outscored Arlington in both the first and second quarters, contributing to a 39-26 halftime lead. Arlington fought back after halftime, holding Lake Stevens to nine points in the third quarter and narrowing the gap with 20 of their own.

With just under 45 seconds remaining, Arlington held a 60-59 lead, but the teams exchanged shots in the final minute and Lake Stevens’ Sean Stickney made his — the game-winner — and Arlington did not.

Cole Carpenter led the Eagles with 16 points while Tyler Busby had 13 and Lucas Larson had 10.