Godfrey, Ill. - The Illinois Central College men's basketball team (16-10 Overall, 7-4 Region 24, 4-4 MWAC) made what some may consider a rare trip south to River Bend Arena on Wednesday night to take on Lewis & Clark (3-19 Overall, 1-10 Region 24, 1-8 MWAC). After all, the Trailblazers had just transitioned to NJCAA Division II, and subsequently, were new members to Region 24. ICC got in control before halftime and never looked back, breaking the century mark in a 110-73 victory over the Trailblazers. The 110 points are the most in nearly a decade, only not passing 119 points scored against Georgia South Doctrine Prep back on November 5th, 2015.
Lewis & Clark got out of the gates quick, taking an early 12-4 lead. ICC proceeded to answer with a 15-7 out-scoring of the hosts to tie it up at 19-apiece. Ah, but the offense was far from over. The Cougars kept going, adding a 6-0 run to take a 25-19 lead, forcing the Trailblazers to use a timeout to regroup. ICC out-scored Lewis & Clark 32-18 the rest of the half on their way to a commanding 57-37 halftime lead.
The Cougars kept their collective feet on the gas pedal out of the locker room. The Trailblazers did cut the deficit to 16 points, but the ICC defense held its ground, and Lewis & Clark would get no closer than that. The same defense forced 20 turnovers. The Cougars also crashed the boards in the win, out-rebounding the Traiblazers, 50-29.
ICC will turn its attention to Spoon River, who they lost to in Canton, but more recently, the Snappers stunned #4-ranked Parkland at the buzzer on Wednesday, 75-74.
COUGAR STATISTICS
Tony Mabon Jr. | 30 points, 6 rebounds
Azarion Richardson | 18 points, 5 rebounds
Israel Barnett | 11 points
LaColis Ashby Jr. | 11 points, 7 rebounds
Willie Fragher | 8 points, 4 rebounds
Jeremiah Tate | 8 points
Ayden Grant | 6 points
Cameron Weed | 5 points, 8 rebounds
Amariyae Wilson | 4 assists
WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
2024 Sophomore Day
vs. Spoon River Snappers (5-19 Overall, 3-8 Region 24, 3-6 MWAC)
Saturday, February 24th - 3:00 PM
Ramsey Gym - East Peoria, Ill.
Watch Live (YouTube)
