Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College men's basketball team experienced its first defeat of the season, losing to the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a score of 61-59. The game took place on Saturday afternoon at Sherman Gymnasium in Jacksonville, Illinois.

With this result, Illinois College's record shifted to 5-1, while the Milwaukee School of Engineering improved to 3-2.

The match was competitive throughout. Initially, the Blueboys had a lead of up to three points before MSOE responded with an 11-2 run, gaining a six-point advantage. Illinois College managed to reclaim a two-point lead and ended the first half ahead at 26-24.

In the second half, Illinois College extended their lead to 42-32 with just over thirteen minutes remaining. However, MSOE regained control with five minutes left in the game. The closing minutes were closely contested, with neither team leading by more than two points. Ultimately, free throws by Anay Amoah and Joey Jendusa in the final seconds secured MSOE's victory.

Javonte McKenzie was the top scorer for Illinois College with 20 points. Seth Doss contributed 13 points and eight rebounds, while Buzz Ritzel and Ty Lenhardt each added ten points.

Illinois College has been successful recently, winning 37 out of their last 43 games and maintaining a strong record in non-conference regular-season games at 21-2 over their past 23 matchups. Buzz Ritzel is nearing a career milestone with 946 points, closely followed by Josh Harris who has accumulated 923 points as they both aim for membership in IC's prestigious 1,000 career-point club.

Looking ahead, the Blueboys will pause for Thanksgiving before resuming play on Wednesday, December 4th against Cornell at Sherman Gymnasium as they begin Midwest Conference competition. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.