Stingy defense and execution on offense turned a close game into a blowout for the Issaquah Eagles boys basketball team against the Timberline Blazers in a winner-to-state, loser-out regional playoff contest.

The Eagles outscored the Blazers 39-18 in the second half and cruised to a 64-39 victory on Feb. 27 at Bellevue College. Issaquah clinched a berth at the Class 4A state tournament in Tacoma for the third consecutive season.

The Eagles, who held a meager 25-21 lead at halftime, knew they had to eliminate mistakes in the second half. Eagles’ forward Tanner Davis, who finished with a team-high 17 points, said Timberline capitalized on multiple Issaquah turnovers in the first half.

“In the locker room we talked about how we needed to cut down on our mistakes. We came out in the second half and minimized our mistakes. We probably had just one turnover in the third quarter which is what led to that big run,” Davis said.

Issaquah closed out the final three minutes of the third period on a 10-2 run. Issaquah senior guard Jason Crandall had two steals in the final minute, which resulted in five points as Issaquah took a commanding 44-27 lead after three quarters of action. Issaquah allowed just 18 points and seven field goals in the final 16 minutes of action.

“We knew their game-plan and knew what they could do and we knew how we matched up with them. We only let them score 18 points in the second half which is remarkable defense,” Davis said. “The whole week we watched film and broke it down to the tee. Coach Griff (Jason Griffith) did a great job of getting us prepared this week.”

Issaquah sharpshooter Trevon Ary-Turner, who scored 16 points in the victory, was glad to see his team play to form in the second half with the season on the line.

“We just didn’t take care of the ball in the first half and that really held us back. In the second half we came out with a zone defense and they (Timberline) didn’t really know what to do and that hurt them,” Ary-Turner said.

The Eagles are excited about their opportunity to compete in the Class 4A state tournament at the Tacoma Dome for the third year in a row.

“Every time is special and we don’t take it for granted,” Ary-Turner said. “We have a great opportunity to experience it again. We can’t wait to get there.”

Issaquah captured fourth place in the Class 4A state tournament the past two seasons. Davis hopes they can eclipse those previous two performances this coming season.

“This year we are really looking for redemption to show everyone that we’re the real deal no matter what people think of us,” Davis said. “We want to show them and prove them wrong and show them we can get this thing done. We want to win a state championship. That has been the goal from the start.”

Issaquah will face the Kentwood Conquerors at 5:30 p.m. on March 3 in the Class 4A state quarterfinals at the Tacoma Dome.