Jake Digiorgio had career highs of 28 points and 21 rebounds (photo credit Eric Reid, d3photogrpahy.com).
Posted: Jan 06, 2018
CHICAGO, Ill. - The Illinois Tech men's basketball team hosted a tough Carthage College squad on Saturday night at the Keating Sports Center. Behind a fast start and a strong night from Jake Digiorgio, the Scarlet Hawks upended the Red Men 86-80 in overtime, moving to 10-4 on the season.
How it Happened
- The Scarlet Hawks jumped out to a roaring start, taking a commanding 20-5 lead early on thanks to stifling defense from Max Hisatake and the rest of the starting unit.
- Tech's lead would continue to build, reaching as high as 18 before Carthage got hot from outside. The Red Men connected on three straight three-pointers to cut the lead to 10 at 32-22 with 5:15 left in the half.
- Both teams battled for the remainder of the half, but Jake Digiorgio's work on the glass allowed Tech to carry an eight point lead into halftime. He recorded 15 points and 10 rebounds in the first half.
- To start the second half, Illinois Tech was able to build the advantage to 13. However, Carthage fought back and was able to trim the lead down to three (57-54) at the 7:34 mark.
- Tech managed the keep the lead down the stretch, building it back to six at 72-66 with 1:40 left after a driving layup from Anthony Mosley Jr.
- Carthage was able to cut the lead to two with the ball back with 35 seconds left. After Jordan Thomas hit a driving layup, a Mosley Jr. fadeway fell just short, sending the game to overtime with the score tied at 72-72.
- With Tech up two in overtime, Parker Joncus came up with a big block on Carthage's Jordan Thomas with just under two minutes to play, setting up a long possession ending in a Jake Digiorgio basket on the other end.
- Digiorgio and Joncus hit pairs of free throws to help tech maintain a six-point advantage, hanging on for the overtime win.
Scarlet Hawk Standouts
- Digiorgio had the best game of his career, finishing with 28 points and 21 rebounds. Both are career highs.
- Mosley Jr. scored just two points in the first half, but came up big late with 18 second-half and overtime points. He ended with 20 points and eight assists.
- Hisatake changed the game on defense, blocking four shots to go along with 12 points and seven rebounds.
- Howze added 15 points.
Stats to Know
- Tech held Carthage to a 33.3% shooting percentage in the first half and just 35.7% for the game.
- The Scarlet Hawks outrebounded the Red Men 48-41.
- Fouls were aplenty, as a combined total of 41 were issues (20 for Tech, 21 for Carthage).
Up Next
- The Scarlet Hawks will enjoy a few days off before hosting Robert Morris University-Springfield on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Live audio, video, and stats will be available. The live audio will be powered by Illinois Media School.