It was a battle for two nearby interstate rivals. The game wasn't settled until four seconds remaining in the contest.

A pair of seniors provided the leadership to help lead the Window Rock Scouts to a 45-43 interstate victory over the Miyamura Patriots, of Gallup, New Mexico, in a boy's basketball game battle.

Down by three points, Window Rock guard Derian Long canned a 25-foot 3-pointer with 45-seconds remaining in regulation play, tying the game at 43-43.

Miyamura pushed the ball down the floor. The Patriots moved the ball around, looking for a shot. Window Rock's defense made a stop. The Scouts brought the ball down on the opposite end of the hardwood.

The Scouts attempted a shot and missed. Scouts guard Adrian Destea pulled down a rebound and scored the game winning put-back basket with four seconds remaining in the contest, as Window Rock won its second game of the young season, against no losses.

Window Rock, 2-0, entertains the Holbrook Roadrunners, 1-0, on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Events Center in Fort Defiance in a freedom game.

Earlier this season, first-year Window Rock head coach Tom Bizardi, who has 18 years of coaching experience, said the Scouts' four returning players will provide the team's speed, strength and leadership. Long and Destea were on floor providing team leadership.

Long and Destea stepped up on both ends of the hardwood go guide the Scouts' defensively and offensively.

"The key o our victory was our defense," Bizardi said. "It (defense) kept us in the game, when we weren't scoring on offense. We stayed in range throughout all four quarters."

Miyamura took the early lead during the first quarter. The Patriots held a 9-3 advantage, when eight minutes expired.

After a slow first quarter, Window Rock and Miyamura warmed up offensively. The Scouts outscored the Patriots, 13-8, but Miyamura continued to lead at halftime, 17-16.

The Scouts controlled the third quarter. Window Rock took a two-point advantage, 31-29, after outscoring Miyamura, 15-12.

The Scouts and the Patriots traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter. Window Rock and Miyamura both tallied 14 points apiece.

Junior guard Cauy Silversmith lit up for 21 points to lead Window Rock. Destea pumped in 10 points for the Scouts.

Jarron Cadman knocked down 19 points for Miyamura.

GIRLS

MIYAMURA 52, WINDOW ROCK 44

Window Rock started off well, outscoring Miyamura throughout the first half. It was Miyamura's second half run that allowed the Lady Patriots to pull off a 52-44 victory.

The Lady Scouts took a five point lead, 14-9, at the end of the first quarter. Window Rock canned 13 points and the Lady Patriots netted 11 points in the second stanza. The Lady Scouts held a 27-20 halftime lead.

Miyamura had the hot hand in the third stanza. The Lady Patriots outscored the Lady Scouts, 16-8, take a slim 36-35 advantage when the third quarter expired.

Miyamura stepped up in the fourth quarter. The Lady Patriots knocked down 16 points. The Lady Scouts managed nine points.

Tatum Bennett poured in 11 points and Malia Ukestine added nine points for Miyamura.

Window Rock head coach Sharon Toadecheenie said there was several factors in the Lady Scouts' loss.

"Our team's downfall was in the fourth quarter, with turnovers and missed layups," Toadecheenie said. "Defensively, we lacked confidence towards the end."

Toadecheenie said the Lady Scouts failed to execute offensively and play patiently.

"We will continue to work on executing offensively, play more aggressively on both ends of the floor and be patient with the ball," Toadecheenie said.

Window Rock, 1-1, hosts the Holbrook Lady Roadrunners, 0-1, on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in a freedom game in the Events Center in Fort Defiance.