By Jami Sponaugle

Milwaukee, WI - With 2 seconds remaining on the clock, Kaya Jones converts an and-one to complete the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks 71-69 comeback victory over the Alverno College Inferno. While on the road for a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) contest, the Hawks (3-8, 1-4) picked up their first conference victory of the 2022-23 season over the Inferno (2-9, 0-5). 

First Half (Alverno 38 - Illinois Tech 26)

• The Hawks began the game quickly going up 5-0 at 9:33 after Chloe Churilla made a layup and Julia Bucci nailed a 3-pointer. The Inferno made their first basket of the contest off a Camiria Darfin layup at 7:49. Most of the first quarter was spent going back-and-forth as the Hawks and Inferno took turns sharing the lead. Throughout the quarter, there were a total of 6 lead changes, and 5 ties. With the end of the quarter coming, the Inferno were able to get one last basket to take a 19-17 lead over the Hawks. 

• Second quarter action saw the Inferno build on their lead while the Hawks fought to stay within reach. With five minutes remaining in the quarter, the Inferno led the Hawks 28-19. The Hawks were able to close out the quarter with a 5-0 run after Churilla and Bucci made a layup a piece and a Joko free throw. As the two sides headed into halftime, the Inferno remained ahead, leading the Hawks 38-26. 

Second Half (Illinois Tech 45 - Alverno 31)

• In the third quarter, the Hawks found momentum, putting up 22 points, and began their comeback. The Hawks began the quarter with a Churilla layup to come within 10-points.As the baskets started to flow for the Hawks, the Inferno fought to stay ahead. By the end of the quarter, the Hawks made it a 3-point game.

• The Inferno led the Hawks entering the fourth quarter 51-48. Wasting no time, Allie Sillo knocked down a three to tie the game 51-51 with 9:34 remaining. The two sides were then tied multiple times before the Hawks took their first lead since the first quarter at 6:18 remaining. The lead didn't last long as the Inferno went down the court and Mya Robert made a three to take a 58-57 lead over the Hawks. Neither side would be able to hold onto their lead for long through the remainder of the game as they continued to go back-and-forth. The last tie of the contest came with 46 seconds remaining. Here the two sides were tied at 67-67 after Sillo made a layup for the Hawks. With 24 seconds remaining, Kaya Jones put the Hawks up 68-67. With time ticking down, the Inferno found the basket with 5 seconds left. After a timeout, Sillo inbounded the ball to Jones. Jones made her way to the basket and converted an and-one, putting the Hawks ahead 71-69, and sealing the victory. 

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

• Churilla led the way for the Hawks with 25 points after going 11-of-16 (68.6%) from the field. Churilla ended with 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals. 

• Sillo went 4-of-6 (66.7%) from three and finished with 16 points. 

• Bucci tallied 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. 

Inferno Standouts

• Roberts led with 17 points. Roberts finished with 1 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals. 

• Riley Spencer ended with 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Hawks finished 27-of-60 (45.0%) from the field, 6-of-14 (42.9%) from three, and 11-of-18 (61.1%) from the free throw line. The Inferno went 25-of-58 (43.1%), 5-of-17 (29.4%), and 14-of-19 (73.7%) respectively.

• Both sides were even on rebounds, picking up 9 offensively and 25 defensively for a total of 34 apiece. 

• Off the bench, the Hawks picked up 25 points and the Inferno picked up 26. 

• The Hawks finished with 12 steals. 

Up Next

The Hawks will host the Lakeland University Muskies on Saturday. The NACC contest will tip-off at 4:15 p.m.