After splitting two games with Kalaheo in the regular season, McKinley left no doubt in the rubber match.

The Tigers used a huge disparity at the foul line and took control in the second half for a 48-32 comeback win over the Mustangs to claim the final boys basketball state-tournament berth from the Oahu Interscholastic Association White Conference.

Alex Ironside scored 17 points, mostly on tough drives to the bucket, and Lesley Machiguchi added 10 points for the Tigers (19-9 overall). McKinley also remained alive in the OIA White playoffs and will meet Farrington tomorrow. McKinley needs two wins over Farrington in the double-elimination format to win the league title.

"I want to beat Farrington this time. That’s all I want to do," said Ironside, who hit all seven of his free-throw attempts.

Quincy Mason led the Mustangs (16-13 overall) with six points.

"We played up to our potential in spurts," coach Alika Smith said. "We don’t get shots. We don’t box out. That’ll kill you in a game like this."

Kalaheo’s young squad struggled to get open looks against McKinley’s sticky 2-3 zone, and the Tigers used fullcourt pressure to stifle the visitors.

McKinley shot 43 percent from the field (12-for-28) and 76 percent from the free-throw line (22-for-29).

Kalaheo shot 28 percent from the field (13-for-46) and did not attempt a free throw while committing 14 turnovers.

Tigers coach Bob Morikuni was concerned before the game about a possible letdown after Saturday’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Farrington, but Ironside’s will was a factor.

"The first quarter, we didn’t have the energy. I think we were nervous because of TV and playing for states," Ironside said. "We were hesitant and afraid to make mistakes. Once we get in our flow, we can beat anybody."

Kalaheo had a 12-4 lead early in the second quarter after Derick Morgan drained a 3-pointer from the right wing. From there, points were hard to come by. The lead dwindled to 19-17 at the half.

The Tigers took the lead for good, 25-23, on two free throws by Wilhem Rivera midway through the third quarter. Kalaheo was within 31-28 after a 23-foot bomb by Joshua Ko, but McKinley closed out the final 6 minutes with a 17-4 run.

Smith, completing his first season at the helm at Kalaheo, is optimistic.

"We’re young. We’ll come back. Nobody thought we could compete and do what we did with two of our players transferring," he said.