It took a moment to find their stride, but once they did, the Cyclones were in control of their matchup with Kishwaukee College in the NJCAA Region 4 quarterfinals to advance in the playoffs.

The Cyclones jumped to an early lead but not without the battling forces of the Kougars. This was a physical game at a high speed, but the Cyclones pressed their defense to keep the Kougars at bay. With a string of three-pointers and free throws from Reggie Strong and TJ Lee in the latter minutes of the first half, Moraine Valley was up 48-29 at halftime.

Although the Kougars went on a few brief runs in the second half, it wasn't enough to pass the Cyclones lead as Moraine Valley finished ahead 85-66.

Strong led the offense with 21 points, 15 of which came from three-pointers. Lee collected 14 points while Josh Lawson had 13 and Ja'Ron Powell finished with nine.

The Cyclones will face Bryant and Stratton College in the Region 4 semifinals on Sunday, March 1, 2 p.m., at Rock Valley College.