Independent file photo: Murray County Central center Aidan Swenson (23) dribbles up the court during a prep boys basketball game against Lac qui Parle Valley, Dec. 31 in Marshall. The Rebels took on Southwest Minnesota Christian in the 3A South subsection semifinals on Tuesday night, falling 63-48 in a season-ending loss.

WORTHINGTON — A strong first-half wasn’t enough for the No. 3 Murray County Central boys basketball team to take down No. 2 Southwest Minnesota Christian in the 3A South subsection semifinals on Tuesday. The Rebels trailed by just 3 at halftime, but the Eagles pulled away down the stretch to defeat MCC 63-48.

Aiden Swenson was the lone Rebel to finish in double figures on the day, scoring 12 points on 6 of 14 shooting with 10 rebounds. Three of his boards came on the offensive glass, and he also blocked a shot on the defensive end.

Dugan Kluis and Tristan Behrends were effective distributors of the ball, dishing out five and four assists, respectively. Behrends also scored 7 points with eight rebounds, while Kluis scored 6.

Turnovers were the primary factor in Southwest’s ability to pull away. The Eagles turned the ball over seven times while forcing 21 turnovers out of the Rebels.

As a team, MCC shot 38% from the field and 5 of 13 from 3, while Worthington shot 40% from the field and 6 of 23 from 3-point range.

Josiah Hoftyzer led Southwest Christian with 22 points, along with 13 from Kade Fey.

Tuesday’s meeting was the third of the season between the two teams. The Eagles defeated MCC 83-63 on Dec. 18 and beat the Rebels again 79-52 on Jan. 29.

MCC finishes its season at 18-7, and the Rebels graduate a group of seniors that includes Swenson, Tayden Beerman, Carter Hanson, Wyatt Thompson, Eli Gillette and Cayden Veldhuisen.