Chicago,Ill — Illinois Tech fell to Wisconsin Lutheran College 83-68 on Saturday at the Keating Sports Center. The Scarlet Hawks showed promise by sinking 10 out of 27 attempts from beyond the arc but continue the early momentum. Illinois Tech now holds a 5-15 overall record and is 3-10 in NACC play. Wisconsin Lutheran stands at 5-14 overall with a 3-9 record in conference competition.

How It Happened

The game tipped off with Nicolas Ortiz scoring a layup for Illinois Tech just 25 seconds in. The Hawks grabbed an early lead, highlighted by a fastbreak layup and a free throw from John Davis III at 17:09, boosting their advantage to 7-4. However, Wisconsin Lutheran's Bryce Appel countered with steady scoring, including a jumper at 15:38. A crucial 3-pointer from Trey Luehring at 10:04 put the visitors ahead 19-18. Wisconsin Lutheran ended the first half with a strong push, capped by a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Ben Lubbers, taking a 46-31 lead at halftime.

In the second half, Wisconsin Lutheran kept their momentum, starting with an Appel layup at 19:32, assisted by Luehring. Isaiah Dudley responded with a tip-in at 18:18, but Wisconsin Lutheran's persistent scoring in the paint, highlighted by Ja'Quell Chisom's layup at 8:33, kept them in control. Nick Galati made his presence felt with multiple three-pointers, including one at 9:22. Despite their efforts, the Scarlet Hawks couldn't close the gap, as Appel sealed the game with a layup with 17 seconds left, ending the half tied at 37 points each.

Scarlet Hawk Standouts

Nicolas Ortiz  
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- 17 points  
- 6/12 field goals  
- 6 rebounds  

Nick Galati  
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- 14 points  
- 3/3 free throws  
- 3 three-pointers  

Isaiah Dudley  
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- 9 points  
- 9 rebounds  
- 4 steals  

John Davis III  
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- 9 points  
- 5 assists  
- 3/3 free throws

Wis. Lutheran Top Performers  

Ja'Quell Chisom  
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- 22 points  
- 16 rebounds  
- 2 blocks  

Bryce Appel  
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- 24 points  
- 10/14 field goals  
- 2 blocks  

Isaiah Mellock  
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- 15 points  
- 4 assists  
- 5 rebounds  

Trey Luehring  
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- 9 points  
- 6 steals  
- 4 rebounds  

Game Notes:
- Nick Galati reached a season-high with 14 points.

Up Next
Illinois Tech takes on Dominican University (Ill.) on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. at the Keating Sports Center in Chicago.