Danville, IL – Highland's hopes at a National Championship were cut off after the hot shooting No. 2 Pima Aztecs shot their way to victory in the quarterfinal matchup Wednesday night defeating Highland 103-88.  
 
Pima came out of the gate firing on all cylinders and jumped out to a 26-13 lead nine minutes into the half behind guard Keven Biggs who had already drained four threes.
 
Jaylin Rutherford did all he could to keep the game at arm's length scoring 11 first half points, all in the last 10 minutes of the half. Highland got within seven, but a couple late baskets by the Aztecs would extend Pima's lead to 12-points at the half, Pima on top 49-37.
 
Biggs and the Aztecs continued to fill it up from the outside to take a 23-point lead but the Scotties wouldn't go away. Highland kept chipping away getting stops and scoring on the other end. Rutherford and Holden Redparth kept attacking offensively and put together a 10-0 run to get within 11 points of the Aztecs with 1:33 left in the game.
 
Highland had two contested looks from three but the shots would fall and Pima went onto win 103-88.
 
Pima finished the game shooting 15-32 from behind the arc. Nine of those coming from Keven Biggs, who finished with a game high 34 points.
 
Jaylin Rutherford led Highland in scoring with 18 points and four rebounds. Holden Redparth finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Perry finished with a double-double 11 points and 10 boards while Alonzo Williams chipped in 13 points in the game. Taiveyhon Mason and DJ Doakes both finished with 10 points each.
 
Unlike Tuesday's game, Highland did not shoot the ball well from behind the arc. The Scotties went 4-23 from deep for 17% and only 45% from the floor. Highland out rebounded the Aztecs and forced 25 turnovers but it was a cold night shooting the ball that contributed to the loss.
 
Highland will play in the consolation bracket and have a chance to finish as high as 5^th place. They will take on the loser of the Delta vs. Arkansas State Mid-South game on Friday at 1:00pm. Winner of that will play for 5^th place on Saturday at 2:00pm.