Big Second Half Sends Blueboys to 12th Win

Box Score

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Illinois College used a 15-2 run to open the second half and cruised to a 75-56 win over Covenant in the opening round of the Smokey Ballenger Classic on Friday at the Rike Center.

The win moved the 23rd-ranked Blueboys to 12-0 on the season while the Scots dropped to 3-8. The 12-straight wins to open a season is a school-record for IC.

Josh Harris led four IC players in double figures with a game-high 20 points. Jake Mazrimas added 16 while Buzz Ritzel chipped in with 15. Both players led the Blueboys with nine rebounds. Matt Thompson came off the bench to score 13. 

The first half saw Covenant lead for the majority of the frame but IC was able to claw back and the teams went into halftime tied at 31.

The final period as all IC as the Blueboys roared out of the locker room with a 15-2 run to put the game out of reach.

IC will face the host Otterbein for the tournament championship tomorrow. Tip-off is slated for 5:00 p.m. (CST).