A charged Cyclone defense cooled off the leading scorer in the NJCAA Division II from Prairie State College while earning a 15th overall win tonight.
Moraine Valley won this battle 79-71, but not after a hard-fought effort. Early foul trouble and a slow start saw the Cyclones trailing by four at halftime. The difference maker in the second half was freshman Nathan Purcell on defense. He was able to shut down the Pioneers' national leading scorer, holding him below his average 26.6 points, and ultimately turning the game around. With Jalen Hughes leading his team on offense (21 points), the Cyclones were able to lead by 12 at one point in the second half. Moraine Valley's bench outscored the Pioneers' 27-0. Ryan Saunders added 16 points and Dontia Johnson contributed 12.
"Our conference has great coaches and talent, but our team has a great will to win. We just need to keep playing better and keep improving," said Head Coach John Chappetto.