CEDAR RAPIDS — The dream run for the Iowa Central men came up just short here Saturday.

With a last-second desperation shot missing, the Tritons were eliminated in the Region XI championship at the hands of No. 4 Kirkwood, 63-61. The Eagles (29-3 overall) advance to the NJCAA Div. II national tournament, which begins March 17 in Danville, Ill.

Iowa Central (20-12) had knocked off Iowa Lakes and third-ranked Des Moines Area to reach the championship game. Jordan Cain, who exploded for 36 points in the semifinals, scored 26 with four 3-pointers, four rebounds and two steals to lead the Tritons.

CJ Mitchell added 10 points and Lane Campbell had eight with five rebounds and three assists. Cain and Campbell were both named to the all-tournament team.

Lucas Lueth and Germaine Benson each scored 12 while Colby Dolphin had 11 to pace the Eagles, who were 21 of 31 from the free throw line to overcome going 2-for-17 from the 3-point stripe.

The Tritons last made nationals in 2012, while also qualifying in 1990. This marks the 14th appearance in the national field for Kirkwood, who is seeking a fourth title all-time.

This is the first trip back to nationals for the Eagles since 2019, when current ICCC head coach Ryan Kirsch was an assistant on the coaching staff.