The Saugus Centurions boys basketball team kept things close through the first half against the host Redlands East Valley Wildcats in their first-round CIF-Southern Section Division IIA playoff game on Friday night at Redlands East Valley High School.

But things got away from the Centurions in the second half, as Saugus lost 67-51 to end their season at 14-14 overall.

Saugus, which earned an at-large playoff bid into the postseason, has prided itself on defense throughout the season.

Thursday’s 67 points allowed were the most Saugus had given up since losing 73-57 on Jan. 15 to Foothill League champion West Ranch.

On Thursday, it was Chris Lockwood leading the way offensively, scoring 21 points in the losing effort as Saugus tried to stick with the Citrus Belt League No. 2 Wildcats.

Zach Garlitos added 18 points for Saugus.

Things were tight at first, as Saugus stayed within 15-14 through the first quarter before entering halftime down 31-22.

But the Wildcats opened the lead up to 52-35 through three quarters and never looked back.

The Centurions will lose eight seniors off this year’s squad, including Lockwood, Garlitos, forward Jacob Dawe, and guard Jeff Ashburn.