JACKSONVILLE, Ill.- The Illinois College Blueboys hosted Ripon College in the first semifinal game of the MWC Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday night. The Blueboys were able to defeat the Red Hawks with a final score of 87-75 to advance to the MWC Championship. This advances the team to 24-2 overall this season.
IC was led by
Buzz Ritzel totaling 17 points on the night. Other double-figure scorers included
Jahkeis Tippett and
Tre Rogers with 11 points each.
Jake Mazrimas led the team on the boards recording 10 rebounds.
Sherman Gymnasium featured an outstanding crowd and atmosphere for the semifinal matchup. Both teams traded the lead early in the first half. The Blueboys were able to connect on a basket at the buzzer by Ritzel to stand ahead 31-29 as the game headed to halftime.
The Blueboys led 64-62 with 1:15 left in the game. A made contested layup by Ritzel down the stretch gave the Blueboys the lead they needed to put the game away at the free throw line in the final minute.
IC will advance to play the Cornell College Rams in tomorrow's MWC Championship at 3:00 PM.
