WEXFORD - Call it a foul-fest if you will.

Blackhawk coach Mike DeChellis prefers to call it playoff basketball.

Blackhawk managed only seven field goals Saturday afternoon, but sank 33 of 55 free throws in defeating Knoch, 48-35, in their WPIAL Class AAA girls basketball quarterfinal game at North Allegheny High School.

"We were getting open shots and they were choosing to foul us," DeChellis said. "This was a scrappy, physical basketball game.

"Not many scores get into the 50's in the playoffs. They especially don't when we're involved. Defense is clearly the strength of our team."

Blackhawk and Knoch both allowed fewer than 40 points per game during the regular season.

The teams combined for 49 personal fouls Saturday, 30 of which were against the Knights.

"I had no problem with the officiating," Knoch coach Curt Vasas said. "Both teams go to the basket, both play in-your-face defense … There are going to be a lot of fouls called."

The Knights (18-6) fell behind 9-0 in the first six minutes, missing seven shots and turning the ball over seven times before Malorye Waite broke the ice by hitting a jumper with 1:39 left in the first quarter.

Knoch never got closer than four after its sluggish start. The Knights never got closer than six in the fourth quarter.

"It's nothing new for us to fall behind early," Vasas said. "We've done that in eight or 10 other games this year. But when you do it against a strong defensive team, it's hard to come back.

"They put us in the bonus early in the second half. We decided to attack the basket at that point and see what happens. We got to the line a little more, but not enough."

Knoch shot 18 of its 26 free throws in the second half.

"We didn't play smart there, taking so many fouls while playing with the lead," DeChellis said.

Blackhawk (16-9) attempted only one field goal in the fourth quarter. Lyndi Miloszewski drained a 3-pointer with 6:02 remaining for a 31-21 lead.

The Cougars took 28 free throws in the final quarter. Renee Rawding and Miloszewski combined to sink 28 of 44 free throws in the game.

Blackhawk has been in the WPIAL playoffs every year since 1996. Knoch is in the playoffs for the first time since 1986.

"Our kids are used to this," DeChellis said. "They know how to turn it up."

"This is a whole new experience for our girls," Vasas said. "It's an exciting time for us."

Rawding had 18 points and Miloszewski had 17 points and eight of 29 rebounds for Blackhawk.

Nicole Reiser scored 17 points for Knoch - 12 of her team's 14 in the fourth quarter. Liz Burgard had five of 24 Knight rebounds.

Knoch's 35 points marked a season-low. The Knights were held to 39 three times during the regular season.

Blackhawk had 21 turnovers to Knoch's 20.

The Cougars will face Mars - a 47-46 winner over West Mifflin - in the semifinal round. Knoch will qualify for the PIAA Tournament if Blackhawk defeats Mars or Mars goes on to win the WPIAL title.