Bourbonnais, Ill. - Snapping a losing streak isn't always easy, especially in a true road game. But maybe an extremely narrow loss that certainly left some confidence instilled was just what the doctor ordered for ICC men's basketball (7-8), who wrapped up a brief two-game road trip by taking on Olivet Nazarene University's JV squad on Thursday. The host Tigers nearly had a double figure lead at the half, but ICC nearly tripled their first half scoring in the second half, out-scoring the Tigers 60-45 in the final 20 minutes en route to a 87-80 win. 

ICC competed for the entirety of the opening half, but there was something missing. They just weren't quite able to get over the hump and secure a lead, but they were right there.

Right there turned into the Cougars' first lead at 52-50 after the ICC offense made its first three shots to start the second half.

It wasn't just the offense putting up the 60-point half in general, it was the shot selection. The Cougars shot an impressive 73% in the second half. Despite those numbers, it wasn't for a lack of drama. The Tigers trailed by as many as 12 points, but crept their way back to a 77-74 deficit with three minutes remaining. Ultimately, thankfully for the Cougars, that would be the closest they'd get for the remainder of the game, with ICC taking the aforementioned seven-point victory. 

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Amariyae Wilson | 19 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists
LaColis Ashby Jr. | 16 points, 4 rebounds
Jeremiah Welch | 14 points, 4 assists
Courtland Soll | 14 points, 4 assists
Joshua Shannon | 4 assists
Kyle Belgrave II | 5 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2022-2023 Region 24 Opener
vs. #18 Danville Area Jaguars (11-3)
Saturday, January 14th, 2023 - 3PM
@ Ramsey Gym - East Peoria, Ill.
Watch Live (YouTube)