The Blair Oaks Falcons are two wins away from a return trip to the state semifinals.
Blair Oaks will host the Buffalo Bison at 6 p.m. today in the Class 4 sectionals.
"Unique, obviously, to get a home game at this stage with the way things are this year," Blair Oaks coach Ryan Fick said. "But it'll be fun. Another chance to play on our home floor."
The Falcons advanced with Saturday's 61-29 win against the St. James Tigers in the championship game of the Class 4 District 9 Tournament at Owensville High School.
Blair Oaks' defense has been on point in postseason play. The Falcons reached the district title game with a 71-32 win against the Owensville Dutchmen on Thursday in the district semifinals.
"We got after Owensville a little bit and I think that really boosted us into this one," Blair Oaks senior Jake Closser said following the win against St. James.
Buffalo (19-9) won the District 10 Tournament by defeating Eldon 68-61 and School of the Osage 71-57.
"We're not looking past Buffalo," Fick said. "At this time of the year, you don't want to come out flat and not be prepared."
The Bison have a balanced scoring attack, led by Jamen Smith. The Buffalo senior averaged 14.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game during the regular season.
Bode Abraham, a senior, scored 13.4 points per game and Pierce Obernuefemann, a junior, scored 10.3 points per game in the regular season.
Closser paced the Falcons with 21 points on 8-of-13 shooting in Saturday's district championship victory. Luke Northweather had a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
Today's winner will face either District 11 winner Ava (23-5) or District 12 champion East Newton (25-2) at 6 p.m. Friday in the quarterfinals.
East Newton is ranked fourth by the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association, while Blair Oaks is sixth in the rankings.
Blair Oaks reached the Class 3 Final Four last season, concluding the 28-3 campaign with a 68-54 defeat against Cardinal Ritter at JQH Arena in Springfield.
"One game at a time," Fick said. "We're playing really well. We've got guys with experience. They understand that it's survive and advance, win or go home. We truly focus on one game at a time."