The Macomb Community College Monarchs are making a run in the NJCAA Division II postseason.

After winning their district with victories over Lakeland Community College on March 6 and Mid Michigan College on March 8, the Monarchs advanced further into the national tournament on Monday by taking down Johnson County Community College, 77-48, in Danville, Ill.

The win advanced MCC to the Elite 8.

The Monarchs dominated the first half against JCCC, jumping out to a 45-20 advantage behind 16 points from Dakota alumnus Josh Hines and 12 by Jotham Nweke. The duo combined to shoot 12-for-17 in the half.

The duo scored 10 of MCC’s first 15 points as they leapt out to a 15-2 advantage in the first half, then they scored the last eight points thanks to a jumper by Hines and back-to-back 3-pointers by Marlon Williams and Davion Guity in the last 20 seconds before halftime.

The second half was closer — MCC outscored JCCC 32-28 — as the teams largely traded baskets, but the Monarchs never led by fewer than 19 points.

A 16-2 run helped stretch the lead from 19 at 8:50 up to 33 with 3:13 left, putting the contest on ice. Hines and Nweke both scored 16 points to lead the team. Marlon Williams added 13 and six others got in the scorebook.

The Monarchs will look to advance to the NJCAA Final Four on Wednesday, March 19 with an 8 p.m. start. The game can be streamed through the NJCAA Network.