The Illinois Tech Men’s Basketball team won its ninth game in a row on February 21 in dominant fashion. The Scarlet Hawks defeated Maranatha Baptist University in the Keating Sports Center 78-50, which is Illinois Tech’s season-best for points allowed in a game this season.

How it Happened

• It did not take long for the Scarlet Hawks to find a second gear on this night. Illinois Tech built a nine-point lead (15-6) after just 3:48 of action. Samuel Rarick scored six of the team’s first eight points. Malik Howze also converted a four-point play at the 16:29 mark.
• Illinois Tech’s lead reached double-digits for the first time on a Parker Joncus three-pointer with 12:45 left in the first half (26-14). The Scarlet Hawks slowly built the lead as the half went on, reaching as high as 16 on several occasions. A Jake Bruns free throw at the end of the half put the Hawks up 17 (44-27) at the intermission.
• Maranatha was able to slow the Scarlet Hawk offense at the start of the second half. Illinois Tech scored just four points and shot 2-of-11 from the floor over the half’s first 5:38 as the Sabercats trimmed the lead to 12.
• After a Richard Medina dunk for MBU at the 13:44 mark, the Scarlet Hawks went on an 11-0 to stretch the lead to 23 (61-38) with 8:28 to play. The lead in the half would reach as high as 29, which occurred with 3:20 to play (72-43) on Jake Digiorgio‘s second made three-pointer of the season.
• Brett Ott and Brinden Carlson made three-pointers down the stretch for the Hawks as the team cruised to a 78-50 win.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Max Hisatake recorded a strong line in just 22 minutes of action. The freshman scored 14 points, pulled down 13 rebounds, and blocked five shots.
• Rarick finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three assists.
• Digiorgio had 13 points and nine rebounds off the bench.

Stats to Know

• Neither team shot particularly well from the field. Illinois Tech was 41.5% (27-of-65), while MBU was 21-of-54 (38.9%).
• The Scarlet Hawks controlled the glass, out rebounding the Sabercats 47-26.
• Second chance points (15-4) and points off turnovers (15-2) were big advantages for the Hawks.

Up Next

• Illinois Tech’s final regular season home contest comes on Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m. against Emmaus Bible College. Live audio, video, and stats will be available. The live audio will be powered by Illinois Media School.