The girls’ basketball teams from Eastview and Lakeville North have each played several games against top-10 opponents from various classes this season.

But their meeting Tuesday was something special.

Defending Class 4A champion Lakeville North won 75-64, but one and possibly two future meetings remain.

“Our natural rival is Lakeville North,” Lightning coach Paul Goetz said. “It always seems to come down to us in the conference and in the sections.”

The Panthers and Lightning both moved from the Lake Conference to the new South Suburban this school year and remain conference rivals. And the teams split their past two section final meetings.

This year, both teams are ranked in the top-10 of Class 4A. Lakeville North is fifth, two spots ahead of Eastview. Eager to watch two top teams, fans from both schools nearly packed the Lakeville North gym on Tuesday night.

The Lightning (10-3) came out hitting their shots and jumped out to an early lead. The teams were tied with about 20 seconds remaining in the first half when Lakeville North used a field goal, steal and three-pointer to grab a 39-34 halftime lead.

The Panthers kept the momentum early in the second half, building a near-double digit lead they never relinquished. Gophers recruit Rachel Banham led the way with a career-high 30 points.

“I thought we played well and were competitive,” Goetz said. “But we didn’t’ find Banham enough.”

“It was a typical Lakeville North/Eastview game with several great plays made by both teams,” Panthers coach Andy Berkvam wrote in an email. His Panthers (11-2) have now won eight-straight games.

While disappointed, Eastview’s players kept the setback in perspective. An torn ACL means Amanda Beckman is lost for the season, leaving the Lightning with just two experienced players in Alex Beckman and Jenna Dockter.

A rematch awaits on Feb. 11, and there’s always a potential playoff meeting.

“The kids left feeling pretty confident,” Goetz said.