Unexpected tension built as Big Lake played nothing like a wide-eyed state tournament newcomer and DeLaSalle slipped off its five-time defending champion pace.

Big Lake led by three midway through the second half before the top-seeded Islanders rallied for a 55-47 victory in the opening Class 3A quarterfinal Wednesday at Williams Arena.

“We knew we had to fight every possession because they were giving us probably the best game they’ve played,” said Islanders’ junior guard Gabe Kalscheur, who led all scorers with 23 points.

With Gophers coach Richard Pitino on hand, Kalscheur scored 17 points in a first half that otherwise saw the DeLaSalle offense struggle.

"In the second half our jump shots were more in the flow of the offense,” Islanders coach Dave Thorson said. “I thought we settled early and took a whole bunch of jumpers and didn’t get the ball into the short corner or the lane. You have credit to Big Lake for some of that because they played well.”

After Big Lake (20-10) took a 37-34 lead with 8:39 to play, DeLaSalle (25-3) outscored the Hornets 21-10 down the stretch.

“We thought we could win so this one hurts,” Big Lake coach Kyle Johnson said.

DAVID LA VAQUE

A full day’s work was required for five time defending Class 3A champion DeLaSalle to put away first-time state tournament entrant Big Lake.

The Islanders did enough in the second half to win 55-47 in their state tournament quarterfinal played Wednesday at Williams Arena.

Gabe Kalscheur led DeLaSalle (25-3) with a game-high 23 points.

Check back later for more on the game.