KUNA — While the contest dubbed ‘the rematch of the 2017 2A state championship game’ did not bear much resemblance to its predecessor by the scorebook or the names on the rosters, the same victor emerged.

A hot-shooting third quarter set the tone for Ririe in a fast-paced second half en route to a 47-38 win over Malad in Thursday’s 2A state tournament opening round, sending the Bulldogs to the winner’s bracket for the fifth time in six seasons.

After shooting 33.3 percent from the field in the first half, the Bulldogs (21-4) shot 50 percent in the second half and outscored the Dragons 28-21. The first half included three lead changes and 17 fouls, including three fouls on Malad post Shawnee Simpson.

“I told the girls, ‘This is an opportunity not everybody gets,’” Malad coach Jeremy Jones said of beginning the tournament against the defending state champion. “We played our second quarter without one of our best players (Simpson). For my other girls, to step up and be able to make it a close score, that says a lot about them.”

“This was a tough first-round game for us,” Ririe coach Damien Smith said. “I knew they wanted to beat us as bad as any team we’ve played this year. Coach Jones had his team ready to play.”

The defending state runner-up Dragons had the advantage early over the defending state champions, getting six points from Simpson in a first quarter that ended 8-8 after two lead changes. The Bulldogs chipped away in the second quarter, taking a 15-14 lead off a jumpshot by sub Ashley Smith with 1:17 left and hanging on for a 19-17 halftime lead.

Ririe put the pedal down in the third quarter, pouring in 17 points to take a 36-26 lead entering the fourth. The last bucket of the third was by Maddie Johnson, somehow hitting nylon as she was fouled mid-jump and fell.

“I don’t think we came out quite like we wanted to (in the first half),” said Johnson, who had nine points and was one of three Ririe starters who ended the night with four fouls. “Shots like that help your team. It builds a lot of energy.”

Malad closed the gap in the fourth quarter, as Simpson, Kassidy Willie and Britlynn Hubbard brought the Dragons within 38-35 and 40-36. that was as close as they would get, however, as Rigby’s Indee Williams responded with six unanswered points and Johnson went 1-of-2 in the final 2:40.

Jones pointed to Malad’s 26 turnovers as a difference-maker Thursday. He said the Dragons are averaging 20 to 28 turnovers per game this season.

“We’re a young team, but so are they,” Jones said, turning his head toward the section of seats the Bulldogs occupied. “Damien’s one of the best coaches in the state. He could coach 5A boys or 1A girls and do well.”

Williams had 16 points to lead Ririe, which plays Cole Valley Christian in an 8 p.m. semifinal Friday. Simpson had 14 points while Willie added nine for Malad (16-9), which faces St. Maries in a 3 p.m. consolation bracket game Friday at Kuna High School.

Ririe 47, Malad 38