North Butler is going to the Class 2A semifinals for the second year in a row.

The third-ranked Bearcats held off a determined comeback bid by Tipton and beat the sixth-ranked Tigers 56-40 on Monday night.

North Butler relied on the scoring and rebounding of Erin Brocka and Indy Uhlenhopp to win for the 26th time in 27 games. Brocka had 17 points and nine rebounds, while Uhlenhopp came through with 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals.

Both also were steady at the free throw line. Uhlenhopp was 10-for-13 and Brocka went 6-for-8.

Tipton rallied after trailing by 22 points in the first half. The Tigers hit four straight 3-point shots in the fourth quarter while cutting the lead to 45-37. But North Butler made nine free throws over the next 3 minutes to secure its victory.

Ashley Miller led Tipton with 13 points and Kelsie Reeve scored 11. Both made three 3-point baskets and Miller added five steals. The Tigers finish with a 22-4 record.

North Butler shot 64 percent in the first half and 51.5 percent for the game. The Bearcats return to Wells Fargo Arena for a semifinal game at 1 p.m. Thursday. North Butler lost to Tri-Center in last year's semifinals.

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