CHICAGO, ILL. – Men's Basketball hit the road in NACC action as they sought to get back in the win column. They took on the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks. A strong first half from the Eagles (2-13, 2-7 NACC) helped them outlast the Scarlet Hawks (5-11, 3-6) in a 74-73 thriller.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Edgewood University held onto a slim 11-10 lead at 15:04 as the tone for the hard-fought affair was set early. The Eagles took over the first half after 10:37, a 21-19 edge ballooning to a 30-21 gap at 6:25 as they clamped down on Illinois Tech. The nine-point advantage held into the locker room, Edgewood University leading 39-30.
- The defenses held down the fort in the early second half, but the Scarlet Hawks grinded down their deficit to 41-40 at 13:33. Four unanswered pushed Illinois Tech to a 49-46 edge with 11:15 remaining. Illinois Tech continued to roll, a 10-3 run leaving them ahead 59-49 at 8:39.
- Down 10 with 7:11 left, the Eagles found their groove on offense as they put together a 16-6 run to draw back to a 67-67 tie at 2:54. Edgewood University would manage a slim lead lead, free throws and stout rebounding giving them a key 72-69 lead with :54 ticks left. The Scarlet Hawks were unable to break through late as the Eagles claimed a hard-fought win.
- Edgewood University made the most of their rebounds, outscoring Illinois Tech 16-to-4 on second-chance points. Their bench made a big difference, outscoring the Scarlet Hawks 32-to-21.
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Hunter Hardyman paved the way for the Eagles with 20 points, five assists, and a pair of steals.
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Jonah Anderson and
Zane Willadsen each posted 11 points.
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Payton Bowser earned nine points and matched the team high with six rebounds.
- Garrison Carter tallied a match-high 21 points for the hosts.
- Isaiah Dudley posted the lone double-double with 17 points and a match-high 15 rebounds.
BEYOND THE BOX SCORE
- The Eagles have won four-straight over Illinois Tech.
- Hardyman's 20 points and five assists were both career highs for the senior.
UP NEXT
Edgewood University will look to carry their momentum back home to the Todd Wehr Edgedome next Saturday. They will host the Concordia Wisconsin Falcons with tip-off scheduled for 3:15 p.m. The Falcons won back on December 8 76-71 in Mequon, Wis.
