PEDRO — Just when things were starting to click, they clacked.

The Chesapeake Panthers were getting the ball inside, getting fouled and making free throws as they rallied from 13 points down to get within 3.

But just as quickly as they got within striking distance, a series of mistakes enabled Portsmouth to put together a surge down the stretch and beat the Panthers 69-57 Tuesday in the Division III sectional tournament semifinals at Rock Hill High School.

“We were able to dribble in the lane and gets fouls, but then we threw the ball away three times and took two 3s,” said Chesapeake coach Bryan Wells.

“But give Portsmouth credit. They’re athleticism really got us.”

Portsmouth’s biggest lead in the first half was 20-12 on a layup by Nate Cadogan with 3:52 left in the half. Chesapeake came right back and got within 25-21 at the break.

The Trojans (4-17) then began to pull away in the third quarter as they took a 44-31 lead on a basket by Jordan Carter at the 3:16 mark.

A 3-pointer by Aaron Ross and a 15-footer by Mike Stapleton started a 14-4 run to end the third quarter including another trey by Ross at the buzzer and the Trojans led just 50-47.

Chesapeake was down 58-55 on a pair of free throws by Jonathan Greene with 4:42 left, but the series of mistakes enabled Portsmouth to outscore the Panthers 11-2 to finish the game including 7 of 10 at the foul line.

Despite the loss that ended the Panthers season at 6-15, Wells wasn’t totally disappointed.

“Our effort was tremendous. All our kids gave a great effort,” said Wells.

Greene led the Panthers with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Stapleton scored 15 and Ross 12.

Carter led Portsmouth (4-17) with 20 points. Howard Hacha had 10 points

Cadogan grabbed nine rebounds.