Roseau coach Kelsey Didrikson says it’s defense that usually gets the Rams running.

“We are not patient on offense,” said Didrikson. “In our half-court offense we force things. It’s our defense that gets us going.”

A suffocating defense sparked the Rams to an 82-64 victory over New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva on Wednesday in the Class 2A quarterfinal at Mariucci Arena.

The Rams (30-0) trailed 25-21 with 7:14 left in the first half before their defense took over. Led by Kiley and Kacey Borowicz, the Rams went on a 20-2 run to open a 41-27 lead. Kiley Borowicz had four steals and Kacey Borowicz had three to fuel the run.

The Rams, who led 43-34 at halftime, started the second half with a 28-9 run to open a 71-43 lead with nine minutes left. The Panthers (25-6) used an 18-4 run to pull within 75-61 with 4:45 left, but couldn’t get any closer.

The Rams finished with 26 steals as they forced the Panthers into 34 turnovers.

Kiley Borowicz finished with a quadruple-double of 28 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 steals. Kacie Borowicz scored 22 points and Victoria Johnson contributed 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Rams.

Betsy Schoenrock had 20 points and 16 rebounds and Marnie Wagner added 16 points for the Panthers.

JOEL RIPPEL

Unbeaten Roseau overcame a slow start to pull away for a 82-64 vcitory over New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva on Wednesday in the Class 2A quarterfinals at Mariucci Arena.

The Rams (30-0), who trailed by five with seven minutes left in the first half, forged a nine-point lead at halftime before asserting themselves in the first 10 minutes of the second half. The Rams opened the second half with a 26-6 run to build a 29-point lead.

The Panthers (25-6) got within 14 points with 3:41 left but couldn’t get any closer.

Kiley Borowicz had 28 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rams.

Check back later for more on the game.