MILWAUKEE – The 23rd ranked Illinois College men's basketball team jumped out to a double digit first half lead and then withstood a rally to post a 72-68 win over the Milwaukee School of Engineering on Sunday at the Kern Center.
The win moved the Blueboys to a perfect 10-0 on the season while the Raiders dropped to 2-8.Â
Along with posting its 10th-straight victory, IC has now won 18 of its last 19 and 34 of the last 36 contests dating back to last season. The win was also the 70th victory for Blueboys Head Coach
Steve Schweer.
Buzz Ritzel, who missed the previous game against Lawrence with a tender ankle, came back to the lineup in style by posting game-highs of 22 points and nine rebounds.
Jake Mazrimas added 20 points along with eight boards.
Jahkeis Tippett chipped in with 11 points.
The Blueboys came out strong, leading by as much as 12 in the first half including a 44-32 advantage at intermission. IC continued to lead by 12 just 35 seconds into the second half before MSOE made its run. The Raiders would get as close as two at 70-68 with 13 seconds to play but Ritzel drilled a pair of free throws to ice the victory.
IC, which is in a stretch of eight of nine games on the road, continues its trip on Thursday by visiting Rock Island, Ill. to take on Augustana. Game time is 7:00 p.m.
