Sangamon Sun

The Illinois College men's basketball team faced a setback in their opening conference game, losing to Cornell with a score of 71-67. The match took place on Wednesday at Sherman Gymnasium, Jacksonville, Illinois.

This defeat places Illinois College at 5-2 overall and 0-1 in the Midwest Conference, while Cornell's record stands at 5-2 and 1-0. The first half was closely contested until Illinois College managed an 8-0 run, establishing a lead of 28-20 with just over five minutes remaining. They maintained this momentum to end the half ahead at 32-28.

In the second half, Illinois College extended their lead to nine points early on but could not sustain it. Cornell responded with a significant comeback through a decisive 10-0 run that shifted the score to their favor at 52-48 with just over ten minutes left in the game. Although Illinois College briefly regained control and led by four points late into the contest, they were unable to hold off Cornell. Caleb Leslie secured victory for Cornell with three crucial free throws made in the final minute and twenty-one seconds.

Buzz Ritzel was instrumental for Illinois College, leading all scorers with 22 points and collecting ten rebounds. Josh Harris contributed 19 points, Seth Doss achieved a career-high of 18 rebounds alongside his ten points, and Ty Lenhardt added twelve points.

Illinois College has demonstrated strong performance historically by winning thirty-seven out of their last forty-four games and fifty-four out of sixty-one past games overall. Their non-conference regular-season record is equally impressive at twenty-one wins from twenty-four games. Both Ritzel and Harris are nearing personal milestones as they approach joining the college's prestigious thousand-point club.

Looking ahead, Illinois College will resume conference play against Ripon on Saturday at Jacksonville's home court.