The third-seeded Tigers jumped out to a big lead early, but Bentonville West never let Central pull away in its first state tournament.

Bentonville West outscored Central 37-28 in the second half, but it could never get closer than five points.

Cameron Johnson's game-high 18 led Central (20-9). Jacobia Platt II and Donald Richardson each scored 12 and Raekwon Rogers finished with 10.

Collier Blackburn had 17 points and 10 rebounds for West (12-16), Boston Barron finished with 11 points for West, a first-year program with no seniors on the roster. Gabe Hornsby added 9 points.

Central will take on No. 2 seed Bentonville at 8:30 tonight.