Sangamon Sun

In a closely contested basketball game, Trinity University managed to edge past Illinois College with a score of 72-69. The match took place on the first day of the Leslie Robinson Holiday Classic at the Bell Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Illinois College's overall record now stands at 6-4, while Trinity improved to 6-1.

The Tigers began strongly, establishing a 16-point lead at 21-5 early in the first half. However, Illinois College fought back and narrowed the gap to 35-33 before halftime, with Trinity leading 39-33 at the break.

In the second half, Trinity extended their lead to nine points (49-40), but Illinois College responded with a significant run, tying the game at 53. The Blueboys then surged ahead by ten points (65-55) with just over four minutes left. Yet, Trinity countered with a decisive 10-0 run to even the score again at 65.

With less than two minutes remaining, Illinois College led briefly at 66-67. However, Trinity closed out the game with a final push, securing victory through a late 5-2 run.

Buzz Ritzel led Illinois College with 20 points and seven rebounds and reached his career milestone of scoring his 1,000th point during this game. Marcus Coleman contributed a career-high of 13 points, while Seth Doss added another eleven points along with seven rebounds. Austin Robinson was notable for eight rebounds and nine points. Nathan Bobikiewicz came off the bench to score three three-pointers for nine points.

Ritzel's achievement brings him into an exclusive club at Illinois College as he now has accumulated 1,017 career points. Meanwhile, Josh Harris is approaching this milestone himself with currently 968 career points.

This match marked Illinois College's second encounter this season against a ranked opponent. Previously they defeated Nebraska Wesleyan when they were ranked fourteenth on November 16th in Jacksonville.

Looking ahead, Illinois College will face Southwestern University next in Texas on the concluding day of the Leslie Robinson Classic in San Antonio. The game is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 p.m.