Center Justin Bufford was the key to Ellwood Christian Academy’s hopes of winning its first-ever state basketball championship.  When Bufford picked up three quick fouls, the Eagles’ title hopes shrunk.

St. Luke took advantage of Bufford’s absence, cruising to a 56-46 victory in the Class 1A Southwest Regional Semifinals on Thursday at Alabama State University.

ECA finishes its season at 16-11, while St. Luke advances to the Southwest Regional finals.

Bufford finished with five points and seven rebounds in 16 minutes. He averaged 22 points, 13 rebounds and six blocked shots a game. He eventually fouled out in the fourth quarter.

“It was one of the best seasons I ever had,” Bufford said in a cracked voice. “I grew up with these guys.”

The Eagles led 14-13 after one quarter with Justin Bufford on the bench. Terrance Davis, another key ECA player, picked up a technical foul. He eventually fouled out.

Bufford entered briefly in the second quarter, but he quickly returned to the bench. The Eagles were forced to play small ball. St. Luke took advantage of to lead 32-22 at halftime.

“It’s hard to get to the Final Four,” ECA coach Willie Shears said. “Hats off to St. Luke. I hate how the players are feeling right now.”

St. Luke coach Garreth Trawick said Bufford’s foul trouble was the key to the Wildcats setting the tone early. “We wanted to limit Bufford’s touches and they were forced to play him with those early fouls,” Trawick said.

ECA made a run in the third quarter, trailing 37-35 with three minutes left in the period. They outscored St. Luke 13-5. Joseph Mahone scored five points.

The Wildcats, though, recovered with a 6-2 run to lead 43-37 after three quarters. Jermaine Brown had five of his game-high 21 points.

“We didn’t panic, we just kept attacking,” Brown said.

Cameron Prince led ECA with 15 points, Mahone added 11.