Two-time defending Sectional champion Carroll opened defense of its titles Tuesday night with a 50-42 victory over the Oracles in Class 2A Sectional 37 at Delphi.

For the first time in three match-ups between the two teams this season, the Cougars were able to use their significant height advantage at both ends of the floor to keep Delphi out-of-sync.

The Cougars erased a 28-22 third quarter deficit and took the lead for good on a Kyle Geheb’s 3-pointer at the buzzer to end the period with a 35-33 lead.

Despite only three field goals in the final period, Carroll hit 9-of-12 free throws in the fourth quarter to advance to the semi-final Friday night against Seeger at 8 p.m.

Carroll out-rebounded the Oracles 30-19 and shot .533 percent (16-of-30) from the field to help offset 24 turnovers to earn the victory.

Seth Johnson posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Cougars, while also blocking a game-high 4 shots, with Drew Yoder also adding 10 points to the winning effort.

Austin Hawn led Delphi with 12 points, followed by Jordan Wagner with 11.