Game Notes: (MBK): Millikin University @ North Central College (1/25/17)

Final Score
NCC 63, Millikin 44

Game Summary
The outcome of this one was never really in doubt as the Cardinals (10-8, 4-5) started the game on an 11-0 run as the Big Blue (3-15, 1-8) missed their first nine shots. The Cardinals continued to press the advantage, building a 20 point lead with about six minutes to play in the first half, and it took just over 17 minutes before the Big Blue hit double figures as the Cardinals took a 32-12 lead into the locker room. Millikin made some second half adjustments and was able to keep the margin around that mark for a few minutes before making a mini run to narrow the gap to 14 points with 11 minutes left. But the Cardinals answered with a three to retake the momentum and pushed the lead as high as 28 with about three minutes left, at which point both teams emptied their benches, and Millikin's end of the bench guys were able to trim the deficit.

Key Stats

• NCC: Outrebounded Millikin 50-28. When I was going through the starting lineups, I noticed that Millikin's guards were a little undersized, though their forwards had decent height. But they were completely outmatched on the glass, as the Cardinals held a 31-11 edge at halftime. Everyone got in on the action for North Central, with only three players failing to notch at least one board.
• Alex Sorenson (NCC): 9-18 FG (0-2 3PT), 1-3 FT; 19 pts, 12 reb (4 off), 2 blk, 2 stl. I mentioned on Tuesday that Sorenson has been struggling a bit this year, but having a game to feast on an inferior opponent inside is a nice cure-all. Sorenson was easily able to get to the basket for some open looks, and he dominated the glass at both ends. It's a good stat booster, and hopefully a confidence booster going forward.
• Matt Cappelletti (NCC): 2-8 FG (1-4 3PT); 5 pts, 14 reb (3 off), 2 ast. Cappelletti has gotten a lot of run since Connor Raridon's hand injury, and Todd Raridon rewarded his freshman with a starting role. Last night snapped a two game double-double streak, but it is the third straight game Cappelletti has notched double-digit rebounds. In a year that has been pretty disappointing in terms of team success, Cappelletti has been a bright spot for the Cardinals.

CCIW Scoreboard Watch

• @ North Park 96 (14-4, 7-2), Illinois Wesleyan 86 (12-6, 4-5)
• @ Augustana 87 (15-3, 8-1), Elmhurst 76 (6-12, 2-7)
• Carthage 69 (12-6, 5-4), @ Carroll 60 (10-8, 5-4),
• BYE: Wheaton (8-9, 4-4)
• (WBK): @ Carthage 106 (9-8, 4-5), NCC 95 (10-8, 4-5)

Final Thoughts
The Cardinals needed this one. After dropping five of their last six going back to the Stevens Point game, they needed something to try and get their confidence back and momentum going their way. Facing the last place team in the conference in your building is a good way to do that, and the Cardinals took advantage. They took their foot off the gas a little bit in the second half, but stepped on it again when they needed to. They're still a game out of a tournament berth, but there's still plenty of time.

I think last night had to have been the quickest college basketball game I've ever worked. The officials who worked the game let the players play, which kind of frustrated Sorenson, who picked up two early fouls in kind of ticky tack fashion while he was also looking for some calls that he didn't get. But it allowed for a 35 minute first half as neither team reached the bonus. Both did in the second half, but just barely. All told, we were done by 8:30. It was fantastic.

The Cardinals will try to keep their momentum rolling on Saturday as they continue their three game home stand by welcoming Wheaton College to Gregory Arena. It's a crucial game for both teams as they fight for a tournament spot, and it's Wheaton. That's also not counting the preceding women's game where the Cardinals are also fighting for their tournament lives as well as an end to a long drought.