The Warriors were hot from the start, shooting 58% from the floor, including 56% from beyond the arc. By the end of the first frame Sterling lead 47-29.

However, Mission did not go away quietly. The Pioneers amped up the pressure which forced the Warriors into 20 turnovers which they turned into 33 points.

Sterling also struggled with foul trouble in the second half of play, with Mooch Austin, Julian Smith and Monem Abboud each ending the game with four fouls and three other Warriors finishing with three fouls.

Turnovers and foul trouble allowed the Pioneers to cut the lead down to four with just under a minute to play.

The Warriors kept their cool as Javion Reed came up big down the stretch going 6-6 at the charity stripe in the final minute to keep the Pioneers at bay.

Reed also ended the game leading the Warriors in rebounds with nine and assists with three along with contributing 11 points to the mix. Reed was one of six Warriors in double figures.

Jayden Garrison led the Warriors offensively with 17 points followed by Damond Daniels with 16. Smith recorded 15 points while also contributing six rebounds and leading Sterling in blocks with two. Austin and Elias Ngoga were also in double figures with 14 and 12 respectively.

With this win the Warriors advance to the championship game of the NCCAA Central Region where they will play College of the Ozarks today, Tuesday, March 11 at 7 p.m. The winner of this game will advance to the NCCAA National Championship to be hosted by College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Mo. on March 19-22.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.