East Peoria, IL - The Illinois Central College Men's Basketball team (1-3) continued its homestand on Wednesday night, hosting the JV Bees from St. Ambrose University. After a tightly fought first half, the Cougars pulled away in the second half to secure a 70-60 victory and get their first win of the young season. 

First half action was quite closely matched. The JV Bees were shooting better on paper, but the Cougars wouldn't let them pull away by any stretch. For that matter, the feeling was mutual, as neither team was able to grab momentum in the opening 20 minutes, as ICC took a slim 34-29 advantage into the halftime locker room. 

Coach Tony Wysinger's group made their necessary adjustments, and an improved effort showed itself in the second half. With a still-small margin of 64-60 in the Cougars' favor, it would be free throws that changed the trajectory of the game, with ICC eventually taking a 13-point lead. That lead at 4:59 remaining in the game, would wind up the Cougars' largest of the evening. 

The defense clamped down as well, forcing 30 turnovers by the JV Bees, a high for the Cougars within the past three seasons. 

Payton Cook was on his game, once again turning in a double-double with 15 points and 14 rebounds. 

The ICC victory also now ties Tony Wysinger as the program's winningest coach, alongside Cougar Hall-of-Famer Carroll Herman. 

COUGAR NOTABLES
Payton Cook | 15 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
Luke Hopp | 12 points, 7 rebounds
Azarion Richardson | 9 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals
Jeremiah Tate | 7 points, 2 rebounds
Shamar Grant | 7 points, 5 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
vs. Bryant & Stratton (WI) Bobcats (3-1)
Monday, November 18th - 6:00 PM
at Ramsey Gym - East Peoria, IL
Watch Live (YouTube)