Blueboys Comeback From A 22-Point Deficit To Defeat Augustana College In Overtime Thiller

AUGUSTANA, Ill. - The 23rd ranked Illinois College men's basketball overcame a 22-point deficit in the second half to defeat Augustana College (IL) in an overtime thriller by the score of 82-78 Thursday night at the Roy J. Carver Center. With the victory, the Blueboys extend their win streak to 11 games to remain undefeated this season while the Vikings drop to 3-9.

With 54 seconds remaining in regulation, IC's Buzz Ritzel took an aggressive attack to the rim and battled through the contract for the basket that cut the deficit to one at 67-68. Ritzel then stepped up and tie the game at 68 apiece by converting the free-throw that forced overtime. 

In overtime, the Blueboys got off to a quick 9-2 run that started on a Jake Mazrimas lay-in as Ritzel followed with five straight points. Josh Harris capped off the run with a fantastic mid-range jump shot. IC's Jahkeis Tippett Harris, and Ritzel closed out the game going 5-of-6 from the free-throw line that lead to the victory.
 
IC had three student-athletes finish in double-figure scoring led by Ritzel with a season-best 26 points as Harris contributed 18 and Mazrimas added 14. Mazrimas led the Blueboys in rebounding with 15 which was his fourth double-double of the season while first-year Austin Robinson had a career-best 10 rebounds.  

The Vikings started the game on a 10-0 run that was snapped on a basket from Mazrimas assisted by Ritzel. Shortly later, Augie stretched the IC deficit back to double-digits with a 6-2 run that made the score 4-17. The Blueboys battled back and cut the deficit to nine at 15-24 on back-to-back baskets from Robinson.

With five minutes remaining in the first half, the Vikings responded with a 15-5 run that increased the deficit to 19 at 22-41. IC closed out the first half on a 5-2 run that included baskets from Mazrimas and Ritzel for the halftime score of 27-43.    

In the opening minute of the second half, Augie's Tyler Knuth stretching the deficit to 22 with back-to-back three-point baskets. At the 18:21 mark, Mazrimas started a 20-2 Blueboy run with back-to-back baskets that included a three-point field goal. In the offensive eruption, IC got baskets from five different student-athletes that included Nestor Daboin, Seth Doss, Tippett, Harris, Ritzel. Ritzel's basket cut the IC deficit down to four at 47-51.

With 11 minutes remaining in regulation, Augie responded with a 4-0 run that increased the lead to seven at 47-55. The Blueboys answered with an 8-3 run that started on a three-point basket from Tippett and was capped off by Doss adding five consecutive points that cut the deficit down to three at 55-58. Shortly later, Ritzel cut the deficit down to two at 59-61 with four straight points. With 1:36 remaining on the clock, Augie took the three-point advantage at 65-68. With 54 seconds remaining, Ritzel sent the game into overtime by converting a convential three-point. 

The Blueboys outscored the Vikings 55-35 in the second half and overtime period that lead to the victory. As a team, IC scored 19 points on second chance opportunities and out-rebounding the Vikings 50-40.    

The Blueboys will return to the hardwood on Friday, December 29 participating in the Otterbein University with the first drawl against Covenant College at 5:00 PM Eastern time in Westerville, Ohio.