BY FRED KRONER
fred@mahometnews.com

Ella Armstrong hit two tie-breaking free throws with 2.6 seconds left on Saturday as the Spartans captured an Illini Prairie Conference win at Pontiac, 44-42.

The Spartans held a 13-3 lead after the first quarter, but had lost the lead in the fourth quarter.

Katie Cramer matched her season’s high with four three-point baskets and led SJ-O with 12 points. Armstrong totaled nine points, six from the free throw line.

Cramer’s final three-pointer, in the last 30 seconds, created a 42-42 deadlock.

The Spartans are 5-2 in conference action.

SJ-O (18-6 overall) returns to action tonight at Rantoul.