Du Quoin used a 10-2 scoring run in the fourth quarter to turn a three-point deficit into a five point lead and then held off Pinckneyville down the stretch for a 49-43 win in the Herrin 2A Sectional semifinals Wednesday night.
After a layup from Drew Dudek, the Panthers closed to within two points with just 29 seconds left in the game. But Jamor Reed and Matt Gossett combined to make four free throws to seal the win for the Tribe.
The Indians led 12-8 at the end of the first and held a 27-20 lead at the break.
The Panthers rallied to outscore Du Quoin 11-3 in the third for a 31-30 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
“We did a great job of limiting their (Du Quoin) possessions in the third quarter,” said Pinckneyville coach Bob Waggoner. “The problem was that we couldn’t continue doing that in the fourth.
Dudek finished the game with 21 points to lead Pinckneyville, while Nathan Morton added 14.
Du Quoin was led by Gossett’s 15, while Reed finished with 14. With the win, the Indians advanced to the sectional finals against Murphysboro.