A key steal and layup late in the game by Reuben Murashov helped lead the Mount Baker boys' basketball team to a 39-31 win over visiting Port Townsend in a Class 1A Tri-District elimination game on Thursday, Feb. 14.

The victory puts the Mountaineers (10-15) in a winner-to-state game Saturday, Feb. 16, in Lynnwood vs. Cascade Christian.

"We are looking forward for that opportunity to go to state," Mount Baker coach Rob Gray said in a phone interview.

The Mountaineers took an early 18-6 lead after the first quarter before Port Townsend changed to a zone defense and outscored the Mountaineers 15-2 in the second quarter. Port Townsend led by one point at halftime.

"We were shooting the ball real well," Gray said. "We struggled to get shots (against the zone in the second quarter)."

Mount Baker came out of halftime and was able to attack the basket better, Gray said, and had a two-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

With two minutes left in the game Murashov stole the ball and went in for a layup to give the Mountaineers a 35-31 lead. Mount Baker was able to close out the game on the free throw line.

MOUNT BAKER 39, PORT TOWNSEND 31

Port Townsend 6 15 8 2 - 31

Mount Baker 18 2 11 88 - 39

Port Townsend: O'Brien 3, Russell, Coppenrath 4, LeMaster 2, King 8, Charlton 4, Spaltenstein 2, Dwyer 8. Team totals: 11-48 6-11 31.

Mount Baker: Isaac Gilmore, John Douglas, Reuben Murashov 15, Zan Roman 2, Ty Munsell 12, Harrison Whitmyre 1, Conner Brandland, Colton Ranson 2, Dalton Munsell, Andrew Zender 7. Team totals: 10-49 16-25 39.

3-ptg: PT 3 (Dwyer 2), MB 3 (T. Munsell 2). Rebounds: PT 29 (Coppenragh 5), MB 43 (Murashov 13). Assists: PT 6 (Charleton 2), MB 10 (T. Munsell 3). Fouls: PT 19, MB 13. Turnovers: PT 12, MB 16.