Men’s Basketball Overcomes the odds and wins 82-80 in Overtime Nail-Biter to North Central
Elmhurst University’s Bluejays beat the North Central College Cardinals 82-80 in an overtime thriller, thanks to two clutch shots by junior Aidyn Boone, on Jan. 26.
Throughout the game, EU relied on 3-point shots to increase their lead on North Central and even when they were down, they still put up as many shots as they could.
EU made 13 of their attempted 27 3-point shots. When it came time for the second half they were losing 71-74 before Boone made a 3-point shot in order to take them to overtime. Boone scored 16 points and four rebounds. While not quite achieving his fourth double-double, this game those numbers should not be overlooked.
“We all trust each other,” said Boone. “That’s the most important thing at the end of the game. Just getting a good quality shot up.”
Boone did not get a double double, but sophomore Vinnie Adjahoungbeta, did. Adjahoungbeta had 18 points and 12 total rebounds with four on offense and eight on defense. In the first half Adjahoungbeta scored back to back 3-point shots helping them to take a large lead in the first half. Even as North Central transitioned to a defense heavy strategy, Adjahoungbeta was able to make points look easy and a fast break lay-up.
In the first half, North Central made nine turnovers as EU moved in the post and added pressure. On North Central, junior Ethan Marlowe and sophomore James Bullock Jr. had the most turnovers, both players being covered by Adjahoungbeta and Boone.
“When we picked up our intensity, we post up and go over space, and I start pressing the ball, and then pick it up, and I just keep on going [sic]. The coach was emphasizing not going stagnant and lazy. He tells us how to pick up the intensity,” said Adjahoungbeta.
North Central was not, by any means, full of mistakes. During the second half they were able to come back, forcing ties and even had the lead at points. There were six lead changes over the game and 10 times they were tied.
“Both teams were making a lot of plays, enough to win, and then just enough plays going wrong that we could really seal it. But we had the ball last so I guess we won.” said EU Coach John Baines.
In overtime, EU initially trailed, with senior Dominic Trelenberg scoring two free throws to tie the game back at 80-80.
EU freshman Luke Smith missed a 3-point shot while tied 80-80, allowing Boone to rebound and lay it in for the Bluejays to win 82-80 in a buzzer beater basket.
“I thought [the] guys were tired, which, that’s my own doing with the subs. I mean, you want to ride your main guys, kind of, in overtime [sic]. I think that’s natural. I just felt like we settled for a few shots early,” said North Central Coach Vince Kmiec.
In this game, Smith had 17 points going 3-4 from the 3-point line and 5-9 in overall field goals. Trelenberg notched 14 points and went 2-5 from the 3-point line, scoring 4-10 in overall field goals. Both went 4-4 in free throws. Trelenberg had a season high of 32 points against North Park on Saturday Jan. 17.
With this win they advanced to a three win streak, their first since November, after a 5-0 run to kick off the season. With this win, EU advances to fourth in the CCIW and will face Millikin on Jan. 30.
