Thanks to a suffocating defensive performance, Central Minnesota Christian only needed one big run to win in the state Class 1A quarterfinals.

The No. 2 Bluejays stayed back to limit Mountain Iron-Buhl (24-7) in transition, and their half-court defense barely gave the Rangers room to work with in a 50-32 victory on Thursday at Williams Arena.

Central Minnesota Christian went on a 13-2 run at the end of the first half to take a comfortable lead and advance to semifinals for the second consecutive year.

“I didn’t want to limit our offensive rebounding abilities by sending everybody back. So I always made sure the two guards were back. That meant the bigs had to run the floor hard,” Bluejays coach Ted Taatjes said. “(Our defense) was pretty relentless tonight.”

The Rangers’ press also had success throughout the game and forced 13 first-half turnovers. Central Minnesota Christian (27-3) managed to settle down in the latter stages of the first half though and scored 12 consecutive points.

“We definitely had a lot of nerves in the first little beginning there,” senior guard Taylor Slagter said. “We decided to get a little bit more aggressive and attack the press a little bit more and that definitely helped us get high-quality shots.”

Slagter recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, all while sporting a pair of bright tie-dye socks he started wearing in the playoffs. Teammate Ethan Brouwer added 12 points and Rangers junior Jaylon Holmes scored a game-high 14.

One good run is all Central Minnesota Christian needed to advance to the Class 1A state semifinals.

The No. 2 Bluejays struggled against Mountain Iron-Buhl's press to start the game. But a 13-2 run late in the second half gave the team a comfortable lead it never relinquished in a 50-32 victory on Thursday at Williams Arena.

Central Minnesota Christian advanced to state semifinals for the second consecutive year.

Junior forward Ethan Brouwer scored 12 points for Central Minnesota Christian (27-3) while senior guard Taylor Slagter added 11.

Mountain Iron-Buhl finished the season with a 24-7 record.

Check back later for more on the game.