MILWAUKEE, Wis. (Jan. 9, 2008) – With 11 minutes remaining in the game, Edgewood College went on a 15-2 run to extend a one-point lead into a 14-point advantage as they defeated MSOE 75-68 at the Kern Center in Milwaukee. It was the second time this season the Northern Athletics Conference rivals have played each other with the Raiders winning the first match-up 76-63 in Madison on December 8. Charlie Averkamp had his third straight double-double, recording a game-high 24 points and 10 rebounds.
MSOE, down 13 points with just over 15 minutes to play, went on a 12-0 run to come within one-point of the Eagles. The Eagles would counter with a run of their own outscoring the Raiders 15-2 to take a more comfortable 59-45 advantage. The Raiders would not back down, coming within two points with 1:55 remaining before going ice cold, ending the game shooting zero-for-six from the field.
The Eagles played with a lead the majority of the game. A Jon Ciche dunk kicked off the game’s scoring and the Eagles took an early 5-0 lead. The Raiders would answer and both teams battled back and forth until the Eagles, holding a slim one-point lead, went on a 16-2 run with 8:59 remaining to take a 31-16 lead right before halftime.
Four Eagles scored in double figures with Averkamp’s 24 points leading the way. Aaron Ritschard scored a career-high 14 points while John Fahey had 11 and Chris DeMarco scored 10 points. For the second straight game Edgewood College shot well from the free throw line, shooting 81.3 percent from the line, highlighted by Charlie Averkamp going a perfect eight-for-eight. Andy Voigt led the Raiders in scoring, while Austin Meier had 12 points and eight boards for MSOE.
The win brings the Eagles record back up to .500 as they are now 6-6 overall and 3-2 in NAC play. It is the third straight loss for MSOE who now falls to 7-6 overall and 2-4 in conference. The Eagles return home on Saturday, January 12 as they take on Benedictine University at 4:15 p.m. The game will be webcast on EdgewoodCollegeEagles.com and live stats will also be available.
Summary by Mark Albanese, Sports Information
