For the fourth consecutive season, the Veritas boys basketball team is going to the state championship game.

The Eagles (21-10) were in a 20-7 hole in the opening period before scoring 21 points in the second quarter to take a 28-26 advantage at the intermission. From there, Veritas rolled past Manhattan CHIEF for a 67-58 win Friday night during the semifinals of the KCAA state tournament at Manhattan Christian College.

“It was truly a win and move on type of game,” Veritas coach Carl Huslig said. “We played Manhattan in Manhattan. They were an underdog and they played freely. We were so tight in the first quarter. The boys then buckled down the next two quarters and took control of the game.”

A trio of players scored in double figures in the win for the Eagles, who have won back-to-back state titles. Senior Tucker Flory led the way with 24 points on 12-of-15 shooting. Senior Trey Huslig finished with 16 points, knocking down two triples. Will Bartkoski added 12 points on a 4-for-6 effort from the field.

Veritas will play in the championship game at 2 p.m. Saturday.

Manhattan Chief (58)

Cody Mericle 27, Seth Kraus 2, Luke McNellis 0, Luke Cassada 8, Noah Salts 7, Will Nauman 0, Patrick White 8, Caleb Burris 0, Gage Amerin 2, Eli Krause 4, Abram Mugler 0.

Veritas (67)

Aaron Evans 0, Trey Huslig 16, Reed Wilson 0, Jackson Rau 2, Will Rau 5, Will Bartkoski 12, Will Eagleman 0, Scott Weinhold 8, Tucker Flory 24, Brennan Clements 0.

Manhattan 20 6 11 21 — 58

Veritas 7 21 21 18 — 67