Big Second Half Propels Blueboys Past Concordia

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – Josh Harris had 30 points and seven rebounds, and Illinois College rallied from a 14-point deficit to beat Concordia of Wisconsin, 81-79, in the opening round of the annual Bill Merris Invitational at Sherman Gymnasium.

IC improved to 3-0 on the season and this was the season opener for Concordia.

IC 81 Concordia 79
Concordia took control of the contest in the opening 15 minutes, sprinting to a 34-20 advantage with 5:02 to play in the half. The Falcons had a 37-28 advantage at halftime.

The Blueboys began to chip away at the lead, getting as close as 48-46 with 13:53 to play but the Falcons regained control and led by as much as seven (62-55) with 8:08 to go before IC made its final push.

A pair of Austin Robinson free throws gave the Blueboys their first lead of the game at 69-68 with 4:23 to go. With the score tied at 72, IC's Javonte McKenzie hit a layup with 2:48 left and the Blueboys did not trail the rest of the way.

Along with Harris, Buzz Ritzel added 14 points and Jaylen Swinney had 12. Robinson finished with 10 points and five rebounds while Seth Doss also grabbed five boards.
 
Blue Notes
IC has won 35 of its last 40 games and 52 of the past 57… the Blueboys are 19-1 in their past 20 non-conference regular season games. 

Up Next
IC will play Nebraska Wesleyan for the championship of the Bill Merris Invitational tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. Franklin will face Concordia Wisconsin in the consolation contest at 1:00 p.m.