BILLINGS — Willa and Maddie Albrecht watched from the bench as Billings Senior took an 11-point lead in third quarter against No. 1 Billings West. So when the twins re-entered the game at the beginning of the fourth, they knew what they had to do.
The Albrechts forced five consecutive turnovers, including four steals, and propelled the Bears on an 11-0 run to take a lead they'd never relinquish in a 48-42 Eastern AA girls basketball semifinal win at Alterowitz Gym on Friday.
The win clinches a spot in Saturday's divisional championship game and a berth at next week's State AA tournament.
Senior led 20-18 at half after out-hustling the Bears during the opening two quarters. West made just four field goals the entire half. Both Albrechts then picked up their third fouls in the opening minutes of the third, and the Broncs took advantage. Senior ran off a 13-2 run to take a 33-22 lead late in the third as it smelled the upset.
But West turned up its defensive pressure to start the fourth, keyed by the 6-foot Albrechts' length. Senior got within one multiple times late in the fourth, but the Broncs could never tie it or take the lead.
Willa Albrecht led all scorers with 16 points, while Laiten Lantis and Kendell Ellis added nine each. Jensen Keller led Senior with 11.
West will play the winner between Great Falls CMR in Saturday's title game. Senior falls to loser-out play Saturday.
