A big second half propelled Sioux City Bishop Heelan into the Class 4A semifinals.

Sixth-ranked Bishop Heelan shot 65 percent over the final two quarters in storming back from a 13-point deficit to beat No. 3 Ballard 70-67.

In a game matching the two schools that have made more state tournament trips than all others over the last 10 years, the Crusaders took charge with a quick five-point burst that broke the game's final tie.

Both teams shot better than 50 percent from the field, but Ballard couldn't quite match Bishop Heelan's torrid second half shooting.

The game was tied at 60 when Bishop Heelan's Jessica Brown hit a 3-pointer with 2:57 remaining. Teammate Tristan Beaulieu then stole the ball and hit a layup for a 65-60 lead and Ballard never recovered. By the time the Bombers made two late baskets, Heelan had built a 70-62 lead.

Beaulieu finished 7-for-8 from the field and led Heelan with 21 points. She also grabbed seven rebounds and handed out six assists in a terrific performance.

Megan Todd scored 17 for the Crusaders (22-3), Taylor Beaulieu had 16 and Brown came off the bench to get 14, including three 3-pointers. Bishop Heelan's top three scorers combined to make 23 of 31 shots.

Emily Knittel led Ballard (21-3) with 27 points, including 10 in the third quarter when it appeared the Bombers had taken control of the game. Gabie Doud added 18 points, 10 rebounds and three assists and Meredith Ossian scored eight for the Bombers, who made it to state for the ninth time in 10 years.

Bishop Heelan rallied after Knittel's two free throws gave Ballard a 47-34 lead early in the third quarter. The Crusaders got the lead down 55-52 by the end of the quarter and trailed 60-57 when Taylor Beaulieu knocked down a 3 to tie it.

Bishop Heelan, making its eight tourney trip in nine years, has a semifinal date at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.