The Benedictine University men's basketball team used a 9-0 run late in the second half and another run of 10-0 late to pull away from a pesky MSOE squad and score a victory in the opening round of the conference tournament by a 69-58 final.
The contest featured nine ties and 13 lead changes. Down 48-43 with just 9:22 left,
Nick Howard opened the first run with a pair of free throws. A jumper by
Drew Stokes handed Benedictine the lead for good. MSOE had pulled within two points but
Trevor Montiel made two free throws and following a quick miss Howard connected on a three and Benedictine was able to pull away.
Benedictine was able to tighten up on the glass during their surges and finished the game with a 47-38 edge on the glass. Benedictine tallied 17 second chance points and logged 24 in the paint.
The starting lineup scored every point in the game.
Nick Howard, who had three dunks in the contest, led the way with 21 points while adding 16 rebounds.
Ryan Sammons knocked down five three-pointers and logged 18, a career high.
Trevor Montiel tacked on 15 with
Drew Stokes logging 10.
Brett Myre collected 10 rebounds off the bench.
Benedictine (16-10) will head to Wisconsin to meet St. Norbert on the road in the semifinals of the conference tournament on Thursday night at 7pm.
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