The Illinois Tech Men’s Basketball team hosted the University of Dubuque on February 4 in the Keating Sports Center. In what was a close game throughout, the Scarlet Hawks prevailed in the final minutes 71-69.

How it Happened

• Dubuque seized control of the contest first, taking an 11-6 lead on a TJ Lake three-pointer with 15:06 left in the half. It would be the largest lead of the game for the Spartans.
• Five was also the largest lead of the game for the Scarlet Hawks, which first occurred at the 6:17 mark of the first half after a Malik Howze three-pointer.
• Howze and Jake Weber traded baskets to close out the first half as Illinois Tech led 41-38 at the intermission.
• After both teams exchanged a few leads early in the second half, the Hawks opened up a five-point lead once again after fast break baskets from Howze, Anthony Mosley Jr., and Jake Bruns. Another Howze three-pointer put Illinois Tech up 56-51 with 10:50 left to play.
• Dubuque came charging back, taking a 60-59 lead at the 7:57 mark.
• Offense was hard to come by for both teams down the stretch. With several ties and lead changes, baskets by Samuel Rarick and Bruns gave the Hawks a 70-69 advantage with 1:35 to go.
• No field goals were made the rest of the game, as Dubuque turned the ball over on three of the team’s final four possessions. Jake Digiorgio had a steal and a block on consecutive possessions during this span but Illinois Tech was unable to capitalize and committed two turnovers themselves.
• With one second to play, Parker Joncus was fouled off an inbound pass and hit one of two free throws. A desperation heave by the Spartans fell short as time expired.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Rarick had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He shot 10-of-17 from the floor.
• Mosley Jr. was also strong, tallying 21 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
• Howze scored 13 points and six rebounds.

Stats to Know

• Illinois Tech out rebounded the Spartans 45-40.
• Assists were also in favor of the Scarlet Hawks (16-10).
• Illinois Tech shot 23 free throws compared to Dubuque’s 14.
• Illinois Tech shot 42.9% from the floor. Dubuque was 35.7% for the game.

Up Next

• The Scarlet Hawks will host Lincoln Christian on Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m. in Keating Sports Center. Live audio, video, and stats available. The live audio will be powered by Illinois Media School.