Gilbert Christian's strong shooting performance in the fourth quarter proved to be the backbreaker, as the Knights outlasted the Chinle Wildcats, 72-65, in round two of the 3A boys' basketball state tournament at Mesquite High School on Saturday.

Gilbert Christian advances into the state tournament quarterfinals. The Knight face Valley Christian on Tuesday.

Chinle finishes its season 20-13.

The game was close through three quarters. Gilbert Christian led by three points at the end of the first quarter. Chinle took the lead at halftime by one point. The Wildcats continued its lead by two points at the end of the third quarter.

Gilbert Christian stepped up offensively during the fourth quarter, knocking down 24 points for the seven point victory. Chinle managed 15 points during the fourth period.

"It was a very tough loss for the team," said Chinle head coach Raul Mendoza. "We played very hard and left everything on the floor. Our seniors, Darren Woody and Donovan James were outstanding on the defense, along with the great leadership of Cooper Burbank and Curtis Begay."

Chinle took a 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. Gilbert Christian outscored Chinle, 20-18, in the second period. The Wildcats led 35-34, at halftime.

At the end of the third quarter, Chinle led, 50-48, after outscoring the Knights, 15-14, in the third period.

Chinle's Cooper Burbank led all scorers, pouring in 32 points. Curtis Begay and Cael Denetdeel both added eight points for the Wildcats.

Troy Donaldson tallied 24 points for Gilbert Christian. Ayden Hoyt added 17 points, Brad Rowland netted 13 points and Travis Lindsay scored 10 points.