Bayamon, Puerto Rico — Illinois Tech men's basketball faced a tough matchup against Johns Hopkins University on Sunday, falling 75-50 at Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum in their finale at the Puerto Rico Clasico. Despite a spirited second-half effort that saw the team put up 35 points, Illinois Tech couldn't erase the early deficit.
The Scarlet Hawks now stand at 4-7 overall, while Johns Hopkins improves to 7-2 overall.
How It Happened
Illinois Tech started strong with
Nicolas Ortiz nailing a jumper in the opening minute, giving the Scarlet Hawks an early edge. However, Johns Hopkins quickly turned the tide with a 3-pointer from Logan Feller at 19:09, a lead they held onto for the rest of the game. Feller struck again with another three at 18:05, widening the gap. Despite efforts from Illinois Tech, including a three-point play by
John Davis III at 16:53, Johns Hopkins dominated the first half, closing with a 23-point lead after a buzzer-beating jumper by Wyatt Eglinton Manner, setting the score at 38-15.
The second half saw an immediate boost for Johns Hopkins as Jeb Williams sank a 3-pointer just eight seconds in, assisted by Feller.
John Davis III answered with a layup at 17:17 for Illinois Tech, but the momentum remained with the Blue Jays. Tanti Felli's dunk at 18:07 and a fastbreak layup by
Omar Salman at 16:14 provided highlights for the Scarlet Hawks, yet a 3-pointer from Teagan Swint at 11:25 kept Johns Hopkins comfortably ahead. Despite persistent efforts from the Scarlet Hawks, including contributions from Davis III, the Blue Jays sealed their victory with a tip-in by Gil Otoo in the final seconds, ending the game at 75-50.
Scarlet Hawk Highlights
John Davis III
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- 11 points
- 4 steals
- 2 assists
Omar Salman
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- 10 points
- 100% from the free-throw line (2/2)
- 1 steal
Garrison Carter
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- 6 rebounds
- 1 assist
Johns Hopkins Standouts
Nick Klaiber
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- 11 points
- 2 steals
- 100% from the free-throw line (2/2)
Logan Feller
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- 10 points
- 100% from the free-throw line (2/2)
- 4 rebounds
Wyatt Eglinton Manner
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- 8 points
- 9 rebounds
- 1 steal
Game Notes:
- This was the inaugural meeting between Illinois Tech and Johns Hopkins.
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Omar Salman has scored at least 10 points in two consecutive games.
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Obrad Kuzmanovic has scored at least 5 points in three consecutive games.
Next Up
The Scarlet Hawks will play at UIC on Monday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m. in Chicago.
