Sunrise Mountain’s fans received one of the things they sought, an entertaining game between two of the state’s more dynamic Division II boys basketball teams.

What didn’t materialize for Sunrise Mountain and its fans was a victory, as Apollo picked up a big power ranking 67-61 road win Friday night.

Sunrise Mountain trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half and 12 in the second half but kept fighting. It got within three points (62-59) with 38 seconds left before Apollo put the game away.

Apollo's full-court press at the start of the game helped it build a big lead in the first half, but a dunk in transition and three-point play by Elijah Thomas helped Sunrise Mountain get its groove back. Going inside also helped Sunrise Mountain climb back in the first half.

In the second half, Sunrise Mountain once again cut into a big lead, this time with the help of its pressure, but it wasn’t enough.  

Jeff Perez, Holland Woods, Joseph Wilson and Carson Taylor (22 points) each scored in double figures for Apollo (16-3). Chris Mullany scored 18 points and Thomas had 17 for Sunrise Mountain.