OGLESBY, IL - Prairie State has been tough all season. 

It saved its toughest performance for the biggest moment. With point guard Tyler Houston and Jalen Sparks fouled out, the Pioneers were on the ropes but pulled out an 80-77 victory over Bryant & Stratton College on Sunday. 

Prairie State opened up an 11-point lead after starting the second half on a 7-0 run. The Bobcats rallied but a last-second 3-pointer fell short. Prairie State will play No. 1 Milwaukee Area Technical College in the Region IV District 3 Final Saturday at 4 P.M. at Moraine Valley. The win over the Bobcats avenged a five-point loss earlier in the season. 

All-American nominee Jared Johnson was special again for Prairie State hitting six 3-pointers in the first half en route to a game-high 36 points. The Bobcats were much better against Johnson in the second half holding to him to only one basket, but the sophomore contributed in other ways. He went 9 of 10 from the free throw line in the second half including hitting several crucial free throws in the game's final minute.

Johnson's 13 rebounds gave him a double-double. Rashaad Williams finished with 12 points including a late steal and basket helping the Pioneers to the lead for good. Williams led the Pioneers with four assists. Humza Robinson was excellent off the bench scoring 10 points. Breion Hill had five steals.