BENTON — The Benton Rangers erased a six-point deficit over the final minute and change to beat Murphysboro 36-35 for the Benton 2A Regional championship.

The Rangers’ rally was capped by TJ Hamilton’s go ahead three-pointer from the corner with 19 seconds remaining. The Red Devils had one last shot, but DaeJohn Beard’s three-pointer at the buzzer did not fall, setting off a Benton celebration for the program’s 40th regional championship.

The difference in the game came at the free throw line where Benton was 6-7 while Murphysboro was 5-13, including 1-7 in the fourth quarter.

Clay Gage led Benton with 12 points with Nolan Schafer adding 10. Murphysboro’s Cash Brooks led all scorers with 14.

The Rangers improve to 25-6 and advance to the Nashville Sectional where they will face the host Hornets Tuesday night. The Red Devils finish their season 20-11.