Sunday, November 23, 2014

Game Notes: Bluffton University @ North Central College (11/22/14)

Final Score
NCC 77, Bluffton 61

Game Summary
The Cardinals (2-0) struggled a bit at the outset from the Beavers' (1-3) inside game, but NCC was able to respond and control most of the half, leading 33-26 at the break. NCC came out guns blazing in the second half and opened up a double digit lead. Bluffton never really threatened and NCC walked away victorious.

Key Stats
  • Charles Rosenberg (NCC): 7-18 (0-2 3PT), 9-12 FT; 23 pts, 6 reb (1 off), 5 ast. It's good to have him back this year. After leading the team in scoring on Friday, Rosenberg did so again on Saturday. He didn't shoot well from the floor, but he took advantage of his chances at the line, something he'll need to do once we hit CCIW play.
  • Kevin Honn (NCC): 5-7 FG (4-5 3PT), 4-5 FT; 18 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl. The Downers Grove native was a key player when I previewed the season, and he lived up to expectations last night. He shot pretty well from three last year and is off to a good start this year, as well as being an inside presence for rebounds. They'll need him if Rosenberg or Jack Burchett get into foul trouble. 
  • Thayne Recker (BLF): 9-10 FG, 6-8 FT; 24 pts, 5 reb (3 off). I think Bluffton's season lives and dies with this guy. He did a ton of damage against Whitewater on Friday, and was a problem early for the Cardinals too. Very dominant post player.
Early Game Notes
Wisconsin-Whitewater 95, Trinity International 72. Whitewater let the threes fly early and took a strong early lead, but the Trojans stayed with it for most of the first half. It wasn't until the last couple minutes of halftime that the Warhawks began to pull away, leading 47-32 at the break. The second half really wasn't close, and the Warhawks were able to call off the dogs very late in the contest.

Tournament Awards

All-Tournament Team
Justin Peeples (TIU)
Jack Burchett (NCC)

Tournament MVP
Charles Rosenberg (NCC)

Final Thoughts
The Cardinals looked much better tonight compared to yesterday. Even so, Bluffton kept it fairly close for much of the early part of the game. NCC was able to put it away late and looked good doing so. They'll be back on Tuesday to take on rival Aurora University at 7:00.

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