A strong defensive first half pushed the Ignacio High School boys basketball team to a second win over the defending Class 3A state champion this season.

The Bobcats held the Pagosa Springs Pirates to nine points in the first half en route to a 59-38 victory Tuesday night in Pagosa Springs.

Both teams scored 29 points in the second half, but IHS – 10-0 and ranked No. 1 in Class 2A – put up 30 in the first half to help clinch the victory.

Clayton Jefferson led the team with 13 points, while Adison Jones joined him in double figures with 11.

Kelton Richmond had a team-high 10 rebounds.

Pagosa Springs has lost three games in a row.

The Bobcats next will play at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Ridgway.

The Pirates will host Bayfield High School (6-4) in an Intermountain League game at 7 p.m. Friday.

heraldsports@durangoherald.com