CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The fourth time’s the charm.

As C.J. Hampton’s last-second three-point attempt fell short on the rim, the Champaign Swarm survived for a gritty 80-79 win over the Bloomington Flex, beating them for the first time in four tries on Saturday night at Parkland College.

Champaign (12-4) pulled back to one-half game behind Bloomington (12-3) for the top spot in the Midwest Professional Basketball Association.

The defensive struggle saw the two teams combine for 18 blocks and 22 steals. Champaign shot just 36 percent from the field, and Bloomington was at just 26 percent.  The Swarm held an opponent to its lowest output of the year, including just 12 points in the first quarter.

Despite a tight margin for much of the game, Champaign never trailed after LaPhonso Ellis Jr.’s three-pointer broke a 31-31 tie with 1:34 left in the second quarter. A surge to start the second half pushed the lead to 14 points before Bloomington clawed back.

Champaign had an opportunity to put away the game but missed four free throws in the final 10 seconds, which allowed for Bloomington’s final shot.

Malcolm Griffin and Aaron Weaver each had 17 points to lead the Swarm. Champaign spread around 49 rebounds.  Mark St. Fort and Livan Pyfrom each had seven apiece. Pyfrom also had three blocks.

Bloomington guard C.J. Hampton had a game-high 18 points on the strength of four three-pointers, who has a league-best 41 three-point baskets.

Champaign plays their final four games of the regular season on the road. Next up is Chicago at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 18, at the Kroc Center in Chicago.