The Mercer Island boys basketball played strong against a tough Lakeside team on Thursday in the SeaKing District semifinals, but fell 68-61 to the Lions.

The Islanders will play for third and fourth place on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Bellevue College.

Against Lakeside, Mercer Island came out strong in the first quarter, leading 22-12 at the end of the first. But Lakeside found it’s rhythm in the second quarter, ending the half by retaking the lead with a 37-31 game.

Though the Islanders made it a close game in the third quarter, Lakeside was able to stay ahead with a 50-44 going into the final minutes.

Lakeside added 18 points in the final quarter and earned a spot in the SeaKing championships on Saturday night.

Mercer Island will play the loser of the Rainier Beach/Franklin game on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at Bellevue College. The team is guaranteed a spot in the regional round, which begins Friday, Feb. 22.

The Islanders will either be the No. 3 or No. 4 seed out of District 2. The winner of Saturday’s game will play at Mt. Tahoma High School on Feb. 22 at 4 p.m. against the No. 1 team from District 3/4, while the loser of the game will play at Glacier Peak High School at 6 p.m. against the No. 1 seed from District 1.