Top-ranked Illinois cruised into the finals of the Central States Collegiate Hockey League tournament with a 4-1 win over Kent State Saturday night.

Jordan Pringle scored twice in the victory, while Drew Heredia netted his fourth goal of the tournament.

In stark contrast to Friday’s 10-0 rout of Robert Morris, the Illini offense was held in check for much of the game, with the Golden Flashes’ defensive style holding the Illini to one goal in each of the first two periods.

A goal from Kent State’s Eddie Martin late in the third period narrowed the lead to 3-1, but Tom Connell would tack on an empty-net score in the waning seconds to seal the victory.

Illinois will play in the CSCHL finals for the sixth straight year, as the Illini take on Lindenwood at 1 p.m.

Check back with DailyIllini.com for results from the final game against Lindenwood.