St. Louis, MO - The Illinois Central College men's basketball team fell just short in a close non-conference game against St. Louis Community College on Thursday, 70-71. The Cougars are 13-6 overall. 

The Cougars struggled to get something going to start the game, but kept it close for the first half. St. Louis led by as much as 6 points, 27-21, by the 4 minute mark to go before halftime. ICC was down by 5 going into the half, 24-29. 

St. Louis came out of halftime with a run that put them up by almost 10 points, 43-34, which was their largest lead of the game. ICC came back to tie it at 50, with under 8 minutes to go. Jaylen Brown then hit a 3 pointer to give the Cougars their first lead of the game, 53-50. 

Both teams went back and forth, tying it up again at 65. Anthony Moore then got a steal and dunk combo that gave ICC the lead, 67-65. St. Louis was forced to foul with 17 seconds left, sending Javaughn Robinson to the line, who made both free throws, putting the Cougars up 69-65.

St. Louis hit a 3, closing the lead to 1 point, and then fouled Micah Boone with 2.1 seconds left, who made 1 of 2 free throws, and ICC was up 70-68. ICC then fouled a St. Louis 3 point attempt with 0.3 seconds left. They made all three, and with an ICC shot falling short, St. Louis scraped out the win, 71-70. 

The Cougars play next at Lewis & Clark, Saturday, January 31, at 3:00. 

Stat leaders from Thursday's game are posted below:

Individual Stats
Jaylen Brown - 18 pts
Javaughn Robinson - 17 pts, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
Jaylen McElmurry - 10 pts
Anthony Allison Jr. - 5 pts, 3 rebounds
Anthony Moore - 2 pts, 3 rebounds
Benjamin Goeh - 2 pts, 6 rebounds
Marlon Herron - 6 pts
Micah Boone - 3 pts
Cooper Knoll - 5 pts, 3 rebounds

WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE COUGARS
Saturday, January 31
vs. Lewis & Clark
at 3:00 pm
Godfrey, IL