After a close game, first-place Eastlake was able to close out against the Ballard High School boys basketball team for a 71-63 victory Jan. 26.

The Beavers played back from a seven point first-quarter deficit and went into the fourth quarter trailing by only one, but the team couldn't complete the comeback.

Ballard coach Billy Rodgers said he thought his team defended well for the most part but needs to do the little things – rebounding, taking care of the ball, making easy shots – to be successful.

Late-game turnovers and fouls allowed Eastlake to pull away in the end, Rodgers said.

Junior Salim Gloyd led Ballard with 21 points. Senior Kyler Korsmo had 10.

With five games left, the Beavers are in eighth-place in KingCo with a 4-7 conference record and a 5-10 overall record. The top eight teams make the playoffs.

Ballard's next game is at 8 p.m. on Jan. 29 at Ballard High School against Lake Washington.

Lake Washington handed the Beavers their worst loss of the season, 72-49, on Dec. 11.