Central Minnesota Christian’s keys to success — balance and defense — have propelled them within two games of a state championship.

The Bluejays limited Nevis to 32 percent shooting and forced 15 turnovers en route to a 56-47 victory in the Class 1A quarterfinals on Thursday at Williams Arena. Central Minnesota Christian (24-3) will take on No. 1-ranked Rushford-Peterson (30-1) in a semifinal game at noon Friday at Target Center.

“We pride ourselves on getting stops,” Bluejays coach Ted Taatjes said. “Our defense held us in it. We made them work for everything.”

The Bluejays held Nevis scoreless for nearly a four-minute stretch early in the second half when they extended a 1-point lead to 10. Nevis missed four shots and turned the ball over twice during that stretch.

Nevis (26-4) battled back within four points, 47-43, with 2 minutes, 51 seconds left, but that was as close as it would get. The Bluejays went 9-for-12 from the free-throw line from that point on to secure the victory.

Junior guard Taylor Slagter had 17 points to lead the Bluejays. Senior forward Austin Bulthuis and sophomore guard Matthew Van Eps each added 13 points.

“Our defense is what helps us win games,” Bulthuis said. “Since Day 1 it’s been defense, defense, defense for us.”

Nevis sophomore guard Griffin Chase led all scorers with 19 points.