By Don Ketchum

Tucson Palo Verde was on fire in the first quarter, hitting six 3-pointers to build a big lead, then held off Scottsdale Saguaro in the second half for a 61-56 victory in the Division II girls’ basketball quarterfinals on Tuesday night (Feb. 21) at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.

Palo Verde (26-5) the seventh seed, advances to Thursday’s (Feb. 23) semifinals at GCU against No. 3 Chandler Seton Catholic. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

Alicia Jones hit three 3-pointers in the first half and finished with 20 points.

Darian Sanders came up big for the Titans in the second half. Scoring all of her 13 points and controlling matters on the boards.

Guard Sydni Stallworth hit three free throws in the final 18.5 seconds  and finished with 10 points. Jasmine Clay hit three key baskets from along the baseline in the second half and finished with eight points.

Saguaro (26-6), the second seed, tied the game for the final time with 1:17 left on a basket by Caylee Vasquez. Clay hit a basket with a minute to go, and Stallworth converted her free throws.

Casey Rarrick led Saguaro with 18 points, Vasquez had 17 and Jamie Huma 11.