No. 3 Selma (13-3) used a pair of second-quarter runs to break open a tight game in a 74-31 win over Keith (1-9) on Friday.

Selma played as though it knew and anticipated every move the Bears made, holding Keith to only one field goal in the second quarter.

“We didn’t play our game,” said Keith coach Cecil Williams. “They made us play their tempo. We’ve got to play within ourselves.”

Leading 14-9 after the first period, the Saints went on a 15-1 run sparked by stifling defense and transition baskets to extend the lead to 29-10. They followed that with a 10-0 run triggered by two Keisha Moore 3-pointers to extend the lead to 39-14 at the half.

“We play in spurts,” said Selma coach Anthony Harris. “Our game is converting turnovers into baskets.”

The Saints sealed the win with a 16-0 run to open the third quarter and push the lead to 58-14. An Alexus Young jump shot — only the Bears’ sixth field goal of the game — at the 3:29 mark ended the drought.

The first quarter was not indicative of the game’s outcome. Selma came out sluggish, and both teams appeared evenly matched going into the second stanza — much to Harris’s ire.

“We appreciate the win, but it’s how you win,” said Harris. “We’re coming out slow for some reason. We’ve got to find people that will give us what we need.”

Four Saints scored in double figures. Jonishia Jackson led the way with 19 points. Moore finished with 17, Kamesha Strong contributed 14 and Ashley Grimes had 10.

Young led the Bears with 16 points.