Whenever the Cyclones face the Morton College Panthers, it always becomes a contentious battle. This time, the Cyclones fell behind, suffering an 82-77 loss in their opening Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference game of the season.

This was the fourth time in their last five meetings that the final score was decided by at least five points. Both teams fought from the start, with Moraine Valley holding a narrow 31-30 lead at halftime. A tough night from behind the arc (9-for-27) didn't help the Cyclones, and they fell behind in the second half.

Amarion Johnson led the effort with 22 points and nine rebounds. Deven Jiles added 18 points and seven rebounds while Grantas Sakenis and TJ Lee each collected 10 points.