Back-to-back baskets by Brayden Childress extended Robinson’s lead to 44-38 at the 6:07 mark of the final period. But Evan Addis connected on a 3-pointer just 13 seconds later that ignited the T-Town comeback. Evan Wermert followed with another three and Brock Deters hit a short jumper to cap an 8-0 spurt that gave the Shoes their first lead since it was 4-3.

It was a one-point game, 48-47, when Mitch Hardiek made a tough drive to the basket for two points and Brock Deters followed with a three-point play that extended the Shoes lead to 53-47 with 1:48 to play.

Childress turned in a three-point play and Kade Lassen made two long threes to keep the Maroons close, the last one making it 60-58 with 26 seconds still showing. Two free throws by Wermert, followed by a Robinson turnover, sealed the victory.

“I’m proud of our kids the way they battled and kept plugging away,” Reeder said. “Robinson has tough kids and they just kept hanging around at the end. Childress and Lassen are both mature players and they showed that tonight.”

For much of the game, the Shoes looked to be in trouble.

A three-point play by Childress and bucket by Lassen gave the Maroons a 17-11 lead after the opening eight minutes. Lassen then drilled a three to open the second quarter to cap a 9-2 run and open a 20-11 spread.

Brock Deters, who had a strong offensive game for the Shoes, scored on consecutive possessions to make it 20-15, but Robinson then went on an 8-0 spurt. Jeffrey Goble and Childress both scored four points and the Maroons had their biggest lead of the contest, 28-15.

The Shoes got within 29-20 at intermission, but Reeder knew his team needed to perform better in the second half.

“We had to be more aggressive,” the THS coach noted. “We didn’t push the issue in the first half. Robinson was way more aggressive. That’s why they had more success.”

Goble scored to open the second half and restore Robinson’s double-digit lead, but Jordan Hardiek may have saved the season for Teutopolis on the ensuing two possessions. The junior connected on back-to-back shots from behind the arc to quickly trim the deficit to 31-26.

“Those two shots were the two most important shots of the game,” Reeder said. “Everybody kind of relaxed after that. When the ball goes in the hole, it also helps the defensive effort. Those were huge baskets by Jordan.”

Another three by Jordan Hardiek and a bucket by Brock Deters after grabbing an offensive rebound got the Shoes within two, but a 3-pointer by Lassen helped Robinson take a 40-35 advantage into the final period.

Lassen and Childress, both seniors, scored 20 points each and Goble added 13.

Brock Deters led all scorers with 21 points, while Wermert tallied 14 and Jordan Hardiek added 12.

“I thought Brock was tremendous tonight,” Reeder said. “He did some nice things on offense. He was patient and took what they gave him. He was certainly a key for us.”

The Shoes, now 21-10, will play Friday at 7 p.m. and will be seeking their 11th straight regional title. Reeder is expecting another tough game.

“Either team (Newton or Pana) will be a good test,” he noted. “They are both good ball clubs. Friday night will be a battle.

“Every win at this point is a big win,” Reeder added. “We’re happy to have the chance to play again. Not everybody gets that chance.”