Late transition points from Tim Gabelein and a huge Trevor Ellis three-pointer were the difference Tuesday for South Whidbey in a game against Granite Falls that teetered on a knife’s edge.

With only a two-point advantage going into the fourth quarter in the road game against the Tigers, the Falcons gave themselves another five points of breathing room in the last 10 minutes to win 53-46.

After going toe-to-toe and point-for-point with the Tigers, the Falcons got mean and got busy in the final period. Gabelein, who led all scorers in the game, sank 11 of his 18 points in a 15-point South Whidbey fourth quarter. South Whidbey Coach Andy Davis said that effort, plus some good moves by other players on the team, sealed the team’s second North Cascades Conference win of the season.

“The guys just got aggressive going to the hole,” he said.

The aggression was lacking earlier in the game. The Falcons never made it into the bonus and went to the free-throw line only 10 times compared to Granite’s 21. The Tigers made only nine of their free shots compared to the Falcons’ six.

Now sixth in the NCC standings, the Falcons need another handful of wins to qualify for the district tournament. The team next plays at home Friday against Lakewood.