Bellarmine Prep advanced to the semifinals of the 4A state boys basketball tournament after beating Mount Rainier 66-50. The Lions (23-3) benefitted from a strong first half by junior forward Sefo Liufau, followed up with an impressive second half showing by junior guard Isaiah Flynn.
After leading 34-28 at halftime, the Lions increased their to ten points at the end of three quarters of play. Flynn scored six points on three consecutive buckets in the closing minutes of the third quarter. Flynn had a game-high 22 points, with 18 of them coming in the second half.
In the first half, the Lions were carried by junior forward Sefo Lifau who had 15 points and 12 rebounds after two quarters of play. He finished the game with 20 points and 15 rebounds.
The Mount Rainier Rams (18-11) were out-rebounded 39 to 19 by the Lions and were unable to go on an offensive run the entire game.
Bellarmine Prep meets the Davis Pirates in the 4A semifinals at 7:15 p.m.. The Rams will take on the Bothell Cougars at 12:15 p.m. in a consolation game.