Raiders face Morton (21-4) next
The East Peoria boys basketball team will play for the Class 3A Limestone Regional championship.
With a 44-42 win Tuesday over No. 1 seed Washington, their second in five days, the Raiders kept their season alive.
"We knew it was going to be like this," EPCHS head coach Ron Kelch said. "I didn't feel like it was going to be any different than we had Friday night.
"We were just fortunate to have the ball at the end."
Washington (19-8) tied the game at 42 with 19 seconds left on Connor Underwood's fourth basket of the final quarter.
No. 4 seed East Peoria (15-11) had possession with a chance to net the game-winner.
Off a loose-ball situation, Raider Shane Moses found teammate T.J. Trau, who converted a lay-up with four seconds left.
"Effort ultimately just took over there," Moses said. "We wanted it more."
The Panthers' halfcourt heave fell short as time expired.
East Peoria will play No. 2 seed Morton (21-4) at 7:30 p.m. Friday for the regional title.
