Chicago, Ill — Illinois Tech Men's Basketball fell to Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 73-72, in a tightly contested matchup at Keating Sports Center. Illinois Tech holds a 0-2 overall record in the early stages of their season. The Fightin' Engineers are now 1-1 overall.

How It Happened

Illinois Tech and the Fightin' Engineers engaged in a competitive first half, with Rose-Hulman securing a 39-26 lead by the end. Illinois Tech started strong with Nicolas Ortiz sinking a 3-pointer early, assisted by Bryce Shoto. However, the Fightin' Engineers responded effectively, with Daniel Savovic contributing a key 3-pointer at the 10:11 mark to push their lead. Joey Schmitz of Rose-Hulman was instrumental, scoring consistently, including a 3-pointer with 1:10 remaining. Despite Illinois Tech's efforts, including John Davis III's fastbreak layup, they trailed at the end of the half.

Illinois Tech began the second half with a pair of quick layups from Garrison Carter and Shoto, narrowing the gap to 39-30 against the Fightin' Engineers. Despite a strong defensive showing, including three blocks from Illinois Tech, Rose-Hulman maintained a steady lead, bolstered by Schmitz's two 3-pointers, extending their advantage to 47-32. Illinois Tech mounted a late comeback, highlighted by Isaiah Dudley's dunk and Shoto's layup, bringing the score to 72-71 in favor of Illinois Tech with just over a minute left. However, Schmitz's two free throws in the final 18 seconds secured a narrow 73-72 victory for the Fightin' Engineers.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Bryce Shoto  
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- 13 points  
- 6/7 field goals made  
- 3 assists  

Nicolas Ortiz  
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- 16 points  
- 3/7 three-pointers made  
- 3/3 free throws made  

Isaiah Dudley  
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- 10 rebounds  
- 6 points  
- 3 assists  

Garrison Carter  
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- 14 points  
- 2 blocks  
- 6/12 field goals made  

Rose-Hulman Top Performers

Joey Schmitz  
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- 32 points  
- 11 field goals made  
- 7/9 three-pointers made  

Christian Torres  
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- 9 points  
- 12 rebounds  
- 2 blocks  

Nate Smith  
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- 6 points  
- 4 steals  
- 4 assists  

Evan Gentile  
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- 8 points  
- 3 assists  
- 5 rebounds  

Game Notes:
- Illinois Tech shot 39.3% from 3-point range; Rose-Hulman shot 38.9%
- Illinois Tech falls to 3-3 lifetime versus the Fightin' Engineers, losing their last two games.
- The Scarlet Hawks shot 57.1% from the free throw line; Rose-Hulman shot 86.7%

Up Next
The next contest for men's basketball will take place at home against Lake Forest College on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. inside Keating Sports Center in Chicago, Ill.