CHAMBERLAIN – Fifth-seeded Groton escaped an upset Tuesday night, fending off Pine Ridge 62-54 in a Class A SoDak 16 boys’ basketball matchup.

Groton got off to a hot start, building a quick double-digit lead before the end of the first quarter. It was, however, an advantage that Groton coach Greg Kjellsen knew was tenuous.

“We got up by 14 or 16 in the second quarter, and I told them, (Pine Ridge is) going to make a run,” Kjellsen said. “They cut it to two late. Just proud of the guys for getting it done.”

That Thorpes run did indeed materialize, as Pine Ridge cut deep into the Tigers’ lead. The comeback effort was led by Marvin Richard III, who scored 22 of his 27 total points in the second and third quarters.

But as furious as the comeback was, the Thorpes were unable to jump ahead of the Tigers. Groton led by a single possession with under three minutes to play before easing away down the stretch.

“We didn’t make our free throws like we wanted,” Kjellsen said, but added the Tigers’ defense was able to make just enough stops to hold off Pine Ridge.

Karson Zak had 19 points to lead the way for Groton, which is back in the state tournament for the third straight year and the fourth time in the last five years, but the first under Kjellsen since 2001.

Joining Zak in double figures were Gage Sippel and Ryder Johnson with 13 points apiece. Keegen Tracy added 10.

Talton Hawk added 16 points for Pine Ridge.

Groton, 18-4, will face fourth-seeded Hamlin in the opening round of the Class A state tournament, set for next weekend in Rapid City.

PINE RIDGE (14-9): Donnie Ghost Dog 2 0-0 5, Christian Pulliam 2 2-2 6, Talton Hawk 7 1-2 16, Marvin Richard III 8 3-4 27. Totals 19 6-8 54.

GROTON (18-4): Ryder Johnson 3 6-8 13, Keegen Tracy 5 0-0 10, Gage Sippel 6 1-4 13, Becker Bosma 3 1-2 7, Karson Zak 8 2-4 19. Totals 25-47 9-18 62.

Pine Ridge 7 22 39 54

Groton 21 31 49 62

3-pt field goals – Ghost Dog, Richard III 6; Johnson, Zak. Total fouls – Pine Ridge 15; Groton 9. Rebounds – Groton 32 (Sippel 7, Bosma 7, Zak 7). Turnovers – Groton 9. Assists – Groton 9 (Zak 3). Steals – Groton 9 (Zak 4).