It wasn't their prettiest game, but the Cyclones got one step closer to nationals after an 87-76 victory over Illinois Valley Community College in the NJCAA Region 4 quarterfinals.

The two teams had faced each other a couple weeks ago, with the Cyclones scoring the same amount but the Eagles didn't go down without a fight. The same kind of matchup ensued in this playoff game.

The Eagles ran ahead 7-0 in the first few minutes while the Cyclone shots could not land. After a slow build within nine minutes, Davion Lawrence drove to the basket for two and was fouled, making one shot to tie the game at 13. The Eagles held the Cyclones to a tie over the next few minutes, but after Luis Acevedo, Enari Thomas and Javonte McKenzie each scored a bucket, they created a lead that held until the end.

At halftime, the Cyclones were up 46-37. Although the Eagles were allowed some easy baskets, Moraine Valley also slipped past the defense for some easy scoring. They allowed Illinois Valley to come within three in the last six minutes, but some key points from Thomas and Lawrence helped the Cyclones expand the gap for the win.

Thomas led the offense with 24 points. Lawrence added 15 points and eight rebounds. McKenzie and Deven Jiles each collected 11 points. McKenzie added five assists while Jiles had eight rebounds. Amarion Johnson grabbed 12 rebounds.