Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College men's basketball team faced a setback with a 77-75 loss to Ripon at Sherman Gymnasium, ending their 20-game home winning streak. This defeat brought the Blueboys' record to 13-2 overall and 5-1 in the Midwest Conference, while Ripon improved to 3-11 and 1-4. The last time IC lost at home was against Millikin on November 12, 2022.

Buzz Ritzel led IC with a game-high of 26 points, hitting 10 out of 11 free throws. Jake Mazrimas contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, becoming only the third player in school history to reach 1,500 career points. Nestor Daboin also scored 15 points and secured seven rebounds.

The game remained competitive throughout. IC held the largest lead of the first half at 37-30 with just over four minutes left before Ripon tied it with a 10-0 run. By halftime, Ripon had edged ahead to a 41-39 lead.

In the second half, both teams exchanged leads seven times within the final twenty minutes. IC managed to gain a seven-point lead at 70-63 with less than four minutes remaining. However, Ripon closed the match with a decisive 14-5 run. Cade Tackmier secured victory for Ripon by scoring a jumper in the lane with eight seconds left on the clock. Despite having possession for one last play, IC could not find an open shot before time expired.

Illinois College will quickly return to action as they host Knox at Sherman Gymnasium for another Midwest Conference matchup scheduled for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.