Host Chandler High managed to maintain a mostly, double-digit lead over Mesa Mountain View Tuesday night for more than three quarters. The lead ebbed toward the finish, but the Wolves hung on for a 53-49 triumph. The game was the first for both schools after playing in invitationals the final week or so of December. 

Chandler (9-9 overall, 4-6 in power-ranking games) was led offensively by a trio of juniors - Ezias Steffen, Braylen Singleton and Kaden Garber. Steffen netted 15 points, Singleton 12 and Garber 11. Mountain View, which began the season with six consecutive wins and has also endured a losing streak of six, was led by senior forward Peyton Rule with 18 points. Sixteen of Rule's points were scored in the second half.

Chandler led 41-28 lead after three quarters - losing none of its 26-13 advantage at halftime. The Wolves posted an 8-0 run to begin the third quarter increasing its lead to 34-13. Mountain View (8-9, 7-3 prg) rallied enough to leave a glimmer of hope as it sliced the deficit back to the halftime level (41-28).

With with five minutes left to play the Toros deficit remained 13 points (45-32). Mountain View starters Rule, Jay Tingey and Brigg Wolfe plus reserve Mikey Sumko combined offensively nearly equally in fourth quarter to put a scare in Chandler. Mountain View rallied within three points three times in the final 90 seconds (48-45, 50-47 and 52-49). 

Chandler made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 56 seconds - three by reserve Chris Washkevich and two by Garber to ward off Mountain View.

Mountain View played in back-to-back tournaments the final two weeks of December and now can look forward to a week off from games. The Toros next game is Jan. 10 - an East Valley Region road game at Skyline. Chandler plays again Thursday hosting Corona del Sol in a non-region game.