The Nansemond River High School and King’s Fork High School boys’ basketball team matched up for the third time this season Tuesday night.

In a testy matchup at home for Nansemond River, the Warriors ended up falling just short of a win. King’s Fork earned an 85-70 victory on the road.

The Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter, with the Bulldogs taking the lead. Amonti Hill had a strong quarter for the Bulldogs scoring six in that quarter while Justin Fatherly continued to be the cornerstone for the Warriors in the first quarter. The Bulldogs maintained the lead going into halftime with a 43-30 lead.

Even in the midst of a Warriors push to tie the game in the second half, the Bulldogs remained poised. However, the Warriors did come within five points twice in the second half.

The Warriors did a good job limiting star guard Jayden Epps, holding him to 18, as Luke Williamson was tasked with the assignment. George Beale finished with 15, while Bravion Campbell finished with 13 and Rae Owens with 11 to give the Bulldogs four players in double figures.

Fatherly finished with 22 points, while Jakari Joy added 20 and 10 rebounds.

King’s Fork will look to close the deal on the city title Friday when they host Lakeland High School at 7 p.m. Nansemond River will look to bounce back against Deep Creek High School on the road.