Georgiana moved within one victory of capturing its first state basketball championship thanks to a stifling defensive performance in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers (27-3) held Skyline scoreless for more than seven minutes, which allowed them to weather their own lengthy scoring drought, and earn a 58-52 victory in Monday’s Class 1A state semifinal at the BJCC’s Legacy Arena.

“I think these guys just know how to win,” Georgiana coach Kirk Norris said, “and know when to turn it on when they need to.”

The Panthers advance to Thursday’s Class 1A championship game against two-time defending champ Covenant Christian, which defeated Calhoun in the other semifinal. Georgiana advanced to the 1A championship game in 2016 and 2018, falling to Sacred Heart Catholic both times, and Norris now has a third shot in the title game.

Georgiana seemed in control for the first three quarters, despite being unable to pull away from the Vikings (28-5).

Skyline’s Bryant Kennamer tied the game 47-all with a layup with 7:37 to go, but the Vikings (26-5) missed their next eight shots. Georgiana’s shooting also went cold, and Skyline’s Scott York made a 3-pointer with 35 seconds remaining to make it 53-50.

The Panthers made six free throws in the final minute, including two by Nasir Cheatham with 15 seconds to go and two more by Jaden Stallworth with one second remaining.

“We were able to make enough free throws to seal it at the end,” Norris said.

Stat sheet: For Georgiana, Nasir Cheatham and Kaveon Miles scored 15 points apiece, and Jaden Stallworth added 13 points and 10 rebounds. Miles had eight rebounds and three assists. … For Skyline, Zeier Golden led the way with 16 points and seven rebounds, and York added 14 points. Kennamer had nine points and seven assists.

By the numbers: Georgiana won the rebounding battle 32-28, but it seemed like the Panthers got every key rebound in the first half. “It felt like they outrebounded us by 50 in the first half,” Skyline coach Craig McGill said.

Key stat: Skyline finished with 13 assists on 19 made baskets, a sign of the teamwork that kept the smaller Vikings in the game.

Coachspeak: “I knew it was going to be a fight. Skyline is a really good team. They do their stuff and do it well.” — Norris

“It’s not how wanted it to end, but it’s where we wanted it to end.” — McGill, referring to advancing to the state tournament

“I think Georgiana was the better team today.” — McGill

What’s next? Georgiana will try to win its first state title on Thursday against two-time defending 1A champ Covenant Christian. “They’ve won two in a row. They got a good team,” Norris said.

This post will be updated.