There was an intense atmosphere for a midweek prep basketball game Wednesday at Los Gatos. A large contingent of Palo Alto fans made the trip south during rush hour traffic to provide support for their team and verbally joust with the Los Gatos home rooting section, which turned out in full force for the game.

The intensity was also seen on the court with beneficial results for both defenses and big-time struggles on the offensive end.

Palo Alto finally broke through and hit some shots in the fourth quarter and pulled away for a 39-29 victory.

“Those are fun games, that environment was special,’’ Palo Alto coach Jeff LaMere said. “To have the student support we had … We heard them and felt comfortable because those fans had our back.’’

Paly (8-4, 2-0 SCVAL De Anza) led 15-11 at halftime and 24-18 after three quarters before scoring 15 in the fourth quarter.

“What a grind-out win that was,’’ LaMere said. “We were locked in on defense. Our guys are learning that if something goes wrong to just go on to the next play, to have a next-play mentality.’’

Paly had a four-point lead at halftime despite 4 of 21 shooting. Turnovers, which had been a big issue in a loss to Menlo-Atherton in the previous game, was a problem for the opponent this time with Los Gatos committing 10 in the first half compared to Paly’s five.

With so many shots not falling Matthew Marzano kept the Vikings aloft. He finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

“He does all the little things,’’ LaMere said. “He plays defense, plays offense, is so unselfish. Everyone puts their best defender on him. He makes our team believe.’’

Marzano and Conner Lusk combined for 16 of Paly’s first 21 points. An infusion of scoring from someone else was needed and Andrew Li provided it. He hit a 3-pointer to close the third quarter then scored seven points in the fourth quarter to finish with 10.

“He’s a very good offensive player,’’ LaMere said. “He gave the team a shot in the arm when they needed it. Every day he comes to practice and gets extra shots.’’

Paly has a bye Friday and hosts undefeated Woodside on Saturday.