NORTH RICHLAND HILLS — The Abilene High boys basketball team opened District 3-6A play with a 57-56 win over North Richland Hills Richland on Friday, outscoring the Rebels 16-13 in the third quarter to break a 31-all tie before hanging on in the final period for the victory.

Paced by Nathan Watts, whose 22 points led all scorers, the Eagles edged Richland 26-25 over the final two quarters to improve to 14-8 overall and 1-0 in league action.