Marshall didn’t stop Chisago Lakes star Bryanna Fernstrom from reaching 2,000 career points Wednesday, but the Tigers held her in check en route to a 68-44 victory in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Mariucci Arena.

Tigers coach Dan Westby said the team made a pact to hold Fernstrom to fewer than 12 points — the number she needed to reach 2,000.

The 6-foot-5-inch senior scored 24, but only six of those came in the first half, when Marshall used a 17-2 run to take a 41-21 lead.

“We were able to limit her number of touches,” Westby said. “That was a great defensive effort by our kids inside.”

The No. 3-seeded Tigers (29-1) used a full-court press to speed up the game, force turnovers and keep the ball out of Fernstrom’s hands.

Westby said the team knew the press was the only way it would stop Fernstrom, who averaged 26 points and 13 rebounds this season.

Marshall’s offense was more of a team effort, as five players scored at least eight points. Senior Hannah Bennett led the way with 13, and senior Kenzie Beekman added 11.

The Tigers scored 24 points off 25 turnovers by the unseeded Wildcats (22-7). Marshall used its athleticism and anticipation to deflect passes and double-team Chisago Lakes’ ball handlers.

“We’ve always relied on our … full-court press,” Beekman said. “That’s our offense, too, so that’s how we usually score.”

Marshall defeated Chisago Lakes 68-44 on Wednesday in the Class 3A quarterfinals at Mariucci Arena.

The No. 3-seeded Tigers (29-1) used a balanced scoring attack and stifling defense to dominate the unseeded Wildcats (22-7) from start to finish.

Marshall pushed the pace from the opening tip with a full-court press. The Tigers forced 14 first-half turnovers and held Chisago Lakes star Bryanna Fernstrom to six first-half points. 

Check back later for more on the game.