Freshman Khaelon Watkins scored 18 points to go with 11 rebounds, and the Stags (11-8) survived a furious rally by the fourth-seeded Golden Trojans (12-7) in the final minutes to win a Class A South quarterfinal at the Expo.

Cheverus led by 12 points in the fourth quarter, but Thornton hit five 3-pointers in the final five minutes, with the last coming from Brayden Hooper (15 points) to make it 61-60 with under 20 seconds to go.

Cheverus then missed four straight free throws, but a final shot by Thornton’s Simon Gellis (12 points) was off the mark at the buzzer.

Jameson Fitzpatrick finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Cheverus, while AJ Lauture chipped in with 11 points and 10 rebounds.

De’Shaun Alston scored 22 points for the Trojans — 14 in the second half. Dominic Hussey added nine points.