This one had all the makings of last year's state championship game. A roaring gymnasium filled to capacity. Norcross and Centennial, two elite teams exchanging baskets in a game that looked like it would, like last year, go down to the last shot.

But it was not be. Behind its trademark defense and some big shooting by an unlikely source, Taariq Muhammad, the Blue Devils wore down the Knights and ran away with a 69-54 win to advance to the Class AAAAA quarterfinals on Friday.

Rich Addicks/Staff (ENLARGE)

Norcross' A.J. Hawkins (No. 35) goes up for two against Centennial's Robby Johnson (No. 44) during their second round Class AAAAA playoff game at Norcross High School.

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"That's the whole purpose," said Muhammad, whose 15 points aren't indicative of his impact. "It seemed like a championship game, but we're just trying to get to the next level."

The No. 2 Blue Devils (26-2) did that by turning up the defensive pressure and getting key contributions from role players, which Norcross coach Eddie Martin called for after Friday's first-round victory. After trailing by five points in the first quarter, Norcross fought back to lead by a point, 23-22, at halftime. Blue Devils coach Eddie Martin said his team's defense forced Centennial (24-6) to shoot more from outside. Meanwhile, Norcross came out hitting from deep with Denzail Jones and Muhammad draining three pointers. Martin has urged Muhammad to look for his shot more. With Centennial holding Al-Farouq Aminu and Jones under 20 points, Norcross needed a lift.

"He's got to step up and do a little bit of the scoring," Martin said. "They were all over [Jones], so somebody had to step up. [Muhammad] went to the rim and got some good open shots out of our offense and that's what made the difference."

After a feeling-out first half, Centennial coach Allen Whitehart said the two-time defending champions got into their game plan. "In the end they established their style of play," he said. "Coach Martin is a great coach and they've got great players. I'm trying to get my program to that level."

It was a sweet night for Muhammad, a transfer from Centennial who withstood derogatory chants from the Knights fans.

"A lot of people say I'm one dimensional," Muhammad said. "But my thing is winning games. When it's time to take over, that's what I try to do."

Aminu led Norcross with 17 points. Jones, playing through an ankle injury, and A.J. Hawkins added 13. Zach Lamb had six points.