JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The Illinois College men's basketball team fell into foul trouble early in the contest on Wednesday night and couldn't dig out of a first-half hole, falling to St. Norbert College, 96-66. Combined with a loss by Grinnell College, St. Norbert took sole possession of first place in the Midwest Conference at 7-5 (5-0 MWC). Illinois College dropped to 3-10 (1-5 MWC).
The only lead of the night for Illinois College came in the opening two minutes when
Michael Adams converted an and-one layup to give the Blueboys a 3-2 edge. Later on, Adams tied the game at 5-5, but that was answered by a Wade Geenen three-pointer on the other end to put St. Norbert up, 8-5. An 11-0 run a few minutes later extended SNC's lead to 27-11. By the half, the Green Knights had ballooned their advantage to 53-25.
St. Norbert grew its lead to 37 in the first eight minutes of the second half, but Illinois College was able to close the gap somewhat.
Isaac Collins had five points in an 8-0 Blueboy run midway through the half, but the Green Knights stayed comfortably in front throughout the final 20 minutes.
Adams and Collins each ended the night with 11 points. Adams added a team-high six rebounds.
Riley Mehrens,
Kane Wildermuth and
Steven Price all had seven points apiece.
Illinois College travels to Beloit College on Jan. 5 for a 4 p.m. tip-off.
