Cape Fear Christian Academy’s varsity boys basketball team fell victim to defensive pressure from unbeaten Impact Christian of Jacksonville, Fla., in the second half of its first-round game in the Holiday Classic at The Benjamin School in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., on Thursday.

The Eagles (12-6) led 23-21 at the break before falling to Impact (11-0) by a 49-36 margin.

“They pressed effectively in the second half,” said CFCA coach J.D. Johnson.

Impact is the top-ranked 2-A team in the Sunshine State. The Lions were second in the Florida playoffs last season.

Ramiro Arrillaga led the Eagles with 10 points. E.J. Bethea scored six points. Adding five points each were Dillon Butler, Riley Adams and Marcus Owens. Parker Watson had three points and Lucas Calpalbo tallied two.

CFCA looks to avoid a fourth-straight loss today at The Benjamin School against Trinity Prep (7-3) of Winter Park, Fla.

Trinity Prep lost 52-40 to Brewbaker Tech of Montgomery, Ala., on Thursday.