Chicago, Ill. – In their 2024 home opener, the Illinois Tech Scarlet Hawks men's basketball team welcomed the Carthage College Firebirds to the Keating Sports Center on Tuesday, November 12th. The Tuesday night, non-conference game, did not go in favor of the Hawks, who were playing in front of their home fans for the first time this year, as the Firebirds came in and took their first game of the season with an 82-56 victory. Illinois Tech falls to 0-2 while Carthage begins their season in the win column.   

The Scarlet Hawk home crowd got their first look of Hawk newcomers Jace Gooley, Myles Townsend, Ebone Junior, and James Pilapil. Fans also got their first look at Joshua Joiner on Joe Hakes Court. Although now a senior, Joiner is making his appearance for the first time this year after working his way back from injury the last two seasons.  

Garrison Cater led the Hawks in points with 13 while tying for the lead in assists, blocks, and steals with two, one, and one, respectively. Joshua Iguade followed in points with 12 and had one block while leading the Hawks in rebounds with nine. Gooley recorded his first career rebounds and steals. Townsend made his first career basket with a free throw at 9:12 remaining in the second half. Junior recorded three points and three rebounds. Pilapil made his first appearance as a Hawk and picked up one steal. 

For the Firebirds, AJ Johnson led the offense with 32 points after going 7-of-12 (58.3%) from the field, 6-for-6 (100%) from three, and 12-of-13 (92.3) from the free throw line. Ryan Johnson was the Firebirds second leader in points with 13 while leading the team with eight rebounds, three assists, and four steals.  

UP NEXT 

The Hawks will be back in action in one week when they travel over to River Forest, Ill. to take on the Concordia University Chicago (Cougars) in early Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) action. The November 19th game will tip-off at 7:00 PM.