Men’s Basketball Wins First Game of Kalamazoo Tournament, Falls to Olivet

The Illinois Tech Men’s Basketball team traveled to Kalamazoo for the first game in a road tournament hosted by the Hornets on November 25. Illinois Tech emerged with a win behind three double-digit scorers 67-58. In the final game of the tournament on November 26 the team fell to Olivet College.

How it Happened – Kalamazoo 

  • Illinois Tech began slowly against the Hornets, managing just 11 points as a team in the first half of the opening period. But Malik Howze and Max Hisatake combined for 17 points in the first half, propelling the Scarlet Hawks to a 14 point lead with four minutes to go before halftime. Illinois Tech led by seven at the half with a score of 33-26.
  • Howze and Hisatake reestablished the big Scarlet Hawks lead to begin the second half, elevating the score to 40-26 within three minutes. Jake Digiorgio added seven points during the second half until Howze exploded for 14 points down the stretch to solidify the win for the Scarlet Hawks, 67-58.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Howze led all scorers with 23 points on 42% shooting while adding three rebounds and one assist.
  • Hisatake finished with a double-double after scoring 14 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. He also had two blocks.
  • Digiorgio also scored 14 points with seven rebounds and one steal.

Stats to Know

  • Illinois Tech shot 38% from the floor and 40% from the three-point line.
  • Rebounds were in favor of the Scarlet Hawks 47-28.
  • Assists were also in favor of Illinois Tech (13-8).

How it Happened – Olivet 

  • The Olivet Comets jumped out of the gate early, scoring the first basket of the game and holding off the Scarlet Hawks to hold a slim lead through the first 10 mintues.
  • Olivet opened up a large lead behind an astounding first half shooting percentage of 69.7%, the Comets led 56-31 at halftime. Illinois Tech shot just 28.6% in the half, also contributing to the deficit.
  • The Scarlet Hawks attempted to eat away at the lead behind strong play on the offensive glass. Illinois Tech totaled 12 offensive rebounds in the final 20 minutes, leading to 13 more field goal attempts.
  • Despite the added attempts, Illinois Tech’s shooting woes continued. The Scarlet Hawks shot just 33.3% in the second half, leading to the 94-79 loss.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

  • Jake Bruns was one Scarlet Hawk who was unaffected by the team-wide shooting woes. The junior guard scored 16 points off the bench behind five three-pointers.
  • Digiorgio led Illinois Tech with 12 points and eight rebounds.
  • Hisatake had 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
  • Parker Joncus made three three-pointers en route to 11 points in just 21 minutes.

Stats to Know

  • Olivet shot 59.7% compared to just 31.7% for Illinois Tech.
  • The Scarlet Hawks were defeated despite outrebounding the Comets 44-34.
  • Illinois Tech was great from the free throw line, going 25-of-31 (80.6%).

Up Next

  • Illinois Tech will travel to UW-Platteville on Wednesday, November 29 for an 8 p.m. contest.