PINCKNEYVILLE — Despite missing a couple of key contributors, the Benton Rangers held off Mt. Carmel 51-46 to advance to the championship game of the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic against Richland County.

Already missing super sub Luke Wilson due to injury, sophomore starter Docker Tedeschi went down with a leg injury and had to leave the game. There’s no official word on the extent of the injury.

Benton led 24-22 at the half and 33-29 after three. The Rangers used a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter to take control then held on down the stretch for the win.

Luke Melvin led the Rangers with 14 points. Landon Crosslin added a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Nick Melvin also reached double figures with 10.

Gage Kennard led the Aces with 11. Blayne Sisson, Connor Shelby, and Gavin Smith tallied ten points apiece.

The Aces will face host Pinckneyville in the third place game approximately 7:00 Thursday, with Benton and Richland County to follow in the championship game.