SUTHERLIN – The Sutherlin boys basketball team is on its way to the 4A state playoffs after knocking off Klamath Union in a play-in game Friday night 52-43 at Sutherlin High School.

The Bulldogs got behind early and struggled to get their offense going, trailing 10-3 after the first quarter. In the second period Sutherlin outscored the Pelicans 16-7 to take a two-point lead at halftime.

The game stayed close until midway through the fourth period, when Marshal Warmouth began taking advantage of Klamath Union fouls and hit 11 of 12 free throws in the period.

The Bulldogs went to the line 35 times in the game, and made 24. The Pelicans made just 7-of-14.

Warmth, a senior transfer from Roseburg, finished with 19 points, 15-for-17 coming from the free throw line. Freshman Mason Gill added 12 and junior Albert Christianson had nine, all in the second half.

The Bulldogs improved to 17-7 for the season and advance to the first round of the playoffs on Friday. Sutherlin will play on the road in its next game at an opponent to be determined.

Klamath Union, which finished third in the Skyline Conference, ends the season with a 13-12 record.