No. 8 Chinle Lady Wildcats utilized a strong inside game to power its way to a 76-59 victory over No. 9 Safford Lady Bulldogs in the second round of the girl's 3A State Tournament, played at Ganado High School's Hornet Pavilion at Burnside Junction, Arizona on Friday night.

5-10 senior Stacey Begay poured in 27 points and 5-11 freshman Aisha Ashley pumped in 21 points for Chinle. Lady Wildcats senior point guard Grayce Claw added 10 points.

Chinle, 17-8, advances to the Elite 8. The Lady Wildcats face No. 1 Tucson Sabino, 12-16, on Monday at Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott. Tip off is set for 6 p.m.

Senior Deion Abalos tallied 25 points and sophomore Mia Carter knocked down 19 points for Safford.

Safford finished its season at 19-7

The state tournament shifts to Prescott Valley in Findlay Toyoto Center on Monday for the Elite 8. In addition to Chinle/Tucson Sabino contest, other Elite 8 matchups include No. 4 Holbrook meeting No. 5 Tanque Verde at 1 p.m., No. 6 Winslow facing No. 14 Window Rock at 2:45 p.m. and No. 2 Page taking on No. 7 Tuba City at 4:15 p.m.

Survivors of the Elite 8 travel to Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona for the Final 4 on Friday, February 22. The State Championship is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 at 1 p.m.

Girls 3A State Tournament Second Round

Chinle 76, Safford 59

Safford led 5-3 early in the first quarter, thanks to a three-pointer by Mia Carter and a pair of charity tosses by Jessica Bright-Schade.

Chinle's Aisha Ashley knocked down three straight baskets inside the paint, lifting the Lady Wildcats to a 9-7.

Chinle went on an outstanding run during the final five minutes of the first quarter, outscoring Safford, 17-4, taking a 26-11 lead when the first period expired.

After Stacey Begay hit back-to-back baskets to begin the second quarter, Safford had trouble scoring. The Lady Bulldogs went scoreless until Jessica Bright-Schade knocked down a basket with 5:32 remaining in the second period.

Begay canned three charity tosses and a basket, giving Chinle a 37-23 lead with over one minute remaining. A pair of free throws from Deion Abalos connected with a pair of free throws, bringing Safford within 12 points, 35-23.

Chinle ended the second quarter on an 8-0 run, as Begay scored four points and Debaa Nacona added four markers for a 43-23 halftime lead.

Safford came out on fire to begin the third quarter. Mikenzi Drage, Mia Carter and Deion Abalos each scored a basket. The Lady Wildcats extended its lead to 48-31 on a basket by Aisha Ashley.

The Lady Bulldogs went on a scoring tear for the final four minutes of the third quarter. Chinle's Begay tallied a bucket, giving the Lady Wildcats a 50-33 lead. Safford began chipping away at Chinle's lead. The Lady Bulldogs rallied for 13 unanswered points, before Chinle's Debaa Nacona canned a buzzer beater basket. Safford cut Chinle's lead to six points, 52-46, when the third period ended.

Chinle and Safford traded baskets for the initial two minutes of the fourth quarter. The Lady Wildcats went on an 11-2 run, taking a 68-53 lead with 2:38 left in the game.

Safford sliced Chinle's lead to 68-56, when Deion Abalos knocked down a three-pointer with 2:23 remaining. Chinle extended its lead after Begay made a two-pointer and Ashley netted a pair of field goals for a 74-56 advantage.

Abalos hit a basket and Analysa Montez added a free throw when the game ended.