The Patriots will face Charleston (MO) for the title Saturday night after the Blue Jays knocked off previously unbeaten Goreville 83-70 in the other semifinal. The Lions will meet the Blackcats in the third place game.

This game featured numerous runs by both teams. The Patriots led 32-23 at the half, but the Lions opened the third quarter with an 11-2 spurt to tie the game at 34.

After Carterville had taken the lead, Zach Travis three late in the third kick-started a 15-0 Patriots that put Massac County up 56-43.

The Lions promptly went on an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to five with 1:05 to play. The Patriots made their free throws and went on to win by nine.

Julian Russell led three Patriots in double figures with 14 points. Zach Travis added 11 and Jase Mizell 10.

Carterville’s Eli Downen led all scorers with 18. Preston Sumner added 10.