M-Basketball: #9 RVC Picks Up Conference Road Win at #7 Joliet
In a N4C opener featuring 2 NJCAA DIII Top 10 programs, #9 Rock Valley College topped #7 Joliet Junior College 81-74 in Joliet. The win moves the Golden Eagles to 13-4 overall and 1-0 in conference play.
In a tight, fast paced game for 40 minutes, both teams came out hot from the field. Just before the 12 minute mark in the first half, RVC held a narrow advantage 25-24 over the Wolves. The defense picked up considerably for both sides. RVC held a 38-32 advantage heading into halftime. The Golden Eagles started the second half sluggish, and Joliet was able to cut the lead to 1 point with 17 minutes remaining in the game. That would be as close at the Wolves would get as RVC never gave up the lead in the second half. Behind timely free throw shooting from sophomores
Jace Kitchen and
Dalton Menke (both 6-6 in the second half) and strong defensive possessions, the Golden Eagles were able to keep Joliet at distance.
"Anytime you can pick up a road win at Joliet is a big deal," stated Head Men's Basketball Coach
Evan Lavery. "Over the past five years, Joliet is 59-11 at home. It is definitely a tough place to play. There were a few times in the second half where the momentum could have taken a huge swing against us, but our guys made the necessary plays to stop their runs, extend a lead, and hang on down the stretch."
RVC shot the ball well all night long, hitting 28-52 FG (53.8%) and 8-19 from three-point range (42.1%). Kitchen's 21 points led the way for the Golden Eagles.
Alec Pena added 13 points. Indianapolis native
DeMari Davis contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.
Malique Ross added 11 points in the win.
UP NEXT
RVC will host their conference home opener against Harper College on Saturday, January 7th. Tip off time is set for 3 PM in the Physical Education Center.
