Box Score

NAPERVILLE, IL – Benedictine is finally starting to look like the team chosen as the preseason Northern Athletics Conference favorites.

After a rough patch to start the season, the Eagles appear to have found their stride defeating North Central 66-63 Tuesday. The victory brings Benedictine back above .500, as they prepare for the bulk of their NAC schedule.

Benedictine (5-4) played a complete game Tuesday jumping to an early halftime lead thanks in large part to Nate Green’s 8 first half points. Green finished the contest with 12 points and three assists. The Achilles heel of the Eagles’ season, however, had been closing teams out in the second half. Tuesday was not the same as Benedictine was able to keep pace, leading by as much as 10 midway through the half.

North Central (5-4) stormed back into the contest thanks to the sharp shooting of Derek Raridon and Reid Barringer. The duo combined for 40 of North Central’s 63 points, while Barringer had a team-high two assists.

The pair hit consecutive three pointers to cut the Benedictine lead to two with a mere 12 seconds left.

Forced to foul to stop the clock, Green hit 1-of-2 free throws in the waning seconds to clinch the victory.

Benedictine again spread the scoring out, having three players in double figures. Green and Rob Bridgeman each had 12 points apiece while Cameron Snelling (12 points, 10 rebounds) was able to pick up his fifth double double of the young season.

Tuesday’s victory brings Benedictine back above .500 as they prepare to take part in the Grand Canyon Classic next week in Phoenix, Arizona. The Eagles will battle Loras College (Dubuque, Iowa) December 29 at 2:00 p.m. MT and take on the 7-5 Southwestern College (Winfield, KS) the following day at 8:00 p.m. MT.