Junior center Asha Bussie had a game-high 17 points, and Ayana Lee added 16 as No. 1 Seton Keough defeated St. Paul's School, 54-28, in a IAAM A Conference quarterfinal Thursday on Caton Avenue. Senior guard Arrika Ullman (seven points) surpassed the 1,000-point career mark for the Gators (25-3).

"I thought we really played hard," said Seton Keough coach Jackie Boswell. "I was a little worried we would be a little sluggish because of the layoff."

The top-seed Gators, who had to wait two days because of the inclement weather Tuesday and Wednesday, built a 39-12 halftime lead on St. Paul's (15-13), who received seven points from junior guard Iliana Sanza. The Brooklandville school which beat Institute of Notre Dame in Friday's opening round, didn't have a senior on its roster.

Seton Keough hosts McDonogh School Friday afternoon in the semifinal round at 5:30 p.m.  McDonogh held off Towson Catholic, 51-48, in Thursday's quarterfinal round. The Gators defeated McDonogh, 71-46, Dec. 19 in Owings Mills.

"They were a different team," said Boswell. "We gave up too many points, so we're going to need to play defense."

IAAM A Conference quarterfinal
Seton Keough 54, St. Paul's School 28

St. Paul's: Sanza 7, Kafakakis 6, Fleet 6, Murray 3, Webster 6. Totals 11 3-4 28.
Seton Keough: Ellis 3, Ullman 7, Fischer 2, Bussie 17, Lee 16, Williams 5, Wright 4. Totals 23 6-9 54. Halftime: Seton Keough 39, St. Paul's 12.