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After watching Skyline guard Desean Miller score 11 first-half points, Orem coach Golden Holt had a "defensive chat" with his guys at halftime.

Orem eventually got it figured out, dominating the second half for a 54-35 win over the Eagles in the Class 4A boys' basketball tournament Wednesday afternoon at Maverik Center.

The Tigers clamped down on defense and broke the game open with a 17-5 third-quarter run, fueled by eight points from junior guard Zach Hunsaker.

"We talk about playing four quarters but you have to come out ready to play," said Holt. "At halftime we told the guys that every possession mattered, and they responded."

Sophomore Dalton Nixon set the second-half tone, stealing a Skyline pass and finishing with a two-handed flush. Nixon scored 11 points, while Hunsaker finished with 17, including eight in the decisive third period.

"We wanted to come out strong after the half, and we always have the goal of winning the first and third quarters," said Hunsaker.

While the Tigers led most of the game, Skyline made it interesting despite starting the game with turnovers on its first three possessions. The Eagles' Scott Anderson knocked down a 3-pointer to end the first period with Orem leading 9-8.

Hunsaker's triple near the end of the half gave Orem its biggest lead at 21-14, but Skyline scored the last four, to trail 21-18 at intermission.

Ultimately, the battle was won in the trenches, where Orem outrebounded its counterparts 31-22.

"Having so many big guys helps, but everyone wants to contribute any way they can," said Orem senior Josh Pollard.

Orem (22-1) advances to Friday's semifinals to take on Bountiful. —

Orem clamps down on Skyline

Junior guard Zach Hunsaker scores 17 for the Tigers, including eight in a key third-quarter run.

Orem's noticeably taller team capitalizes on its height by outrebounding Skyline 31-22.

Skyline's Desean Miller is a one-man wrecking crew in the first half, scoring 11 points and keeping Skyline close.