JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Illinois College roared out to a big lead and then withstood a Coe rally to post a 77-66 victory in the opening round of the Bill Merris Tournament on Friday at Sherman Gymnasium.
The Blueboys remained unbeaten on the young season at 3-0 while Coe suffered its first loss to move to 3-1.
IC scored the game's first 11 points and saw its lead grow to as much a 21 on two occasions, the last coming at 37-16 with 6:06 to play in the first half. The Blueboys took a 15-point (41-26) advantage into halftime.
In the second half, Coe put on a furious rally, chopping a 19-point IC lead at the 17:05 mark down to two (63-61) with 3:58 remaining in the game but the Blueboys would outscore the Kohawks 14-5 down the stretch to post the victory.
Josh Harris turned in his best performance of the young season, dropping in a game-high 32 points while
Buzz Ritzel 18.
Jake Mazrimas grabbed 12 rebounds to key the IC effort.
The victory moves Illinois College into the championship game of the Merris Tournament where it will face Wabash. The Little Giants defeated North Park, 70-63, in the opening game of the tournament. IC and Wabash will meet at 3:00 p.m. Â Coe will face North Park in the consolation contest at 1 p.m.
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