Alan Kornspan
Believeland Media
Henry Raynor with the slam dunk in the Blue Streaks 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz. Raynor had 13 points and 8 rebounds in the victory
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
The number 2 ranked John Carroll Blue Streaks advanced to the Round of 32 after an 85-81 victory over the SUNY New Paltz Hawks on Friday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
This NCAA tournament game began as a close contest with John Caroll taking an early 17-15 lead with 11:56 remaining in the first half.
However, the Blue Streaks would then pull away from SUNY New Paltz as they outscored the Hawks 25-14 to end the first half.
Taking a 42-29 lead into the second half, the Blue Streaks continued to hold a large lead throughought the early part of the second half.
Luke Chicone led the Blue Streaks with 24 points and 9 assists in their 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
However, this is the NCAA Tournamement and “March Madness” certainly appeared in the last 13 minutes of the contest.
With fourteen minutes left in the game, the Blue Streaks led by 15 points.
But SUNY New Paltz did not give up.
With under three minutes to play, SUNY New Paltz got to within two points as they trailed 77-75 with 2:45 left in the game.
Luka Eller had 10 points and 7 rebounds in the Blue Streaks 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
Down the stretch in the final two minutes, Luka Eller made two big shots and Luke Chicone and Luke Frazier drained key foul shots to preserve an 85-81 victory over SUNY New Paltz.
For the game, the Blue Streaks were led by the OAC player of the year, Mentor alum, Luke Chicone.
Chicone had 24 points, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds.
Will Yontek had 17 points and 6 rebounds in the Blue Streaks 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
In addition John Carroll had an additional five players in double figures including Will Yontek (17 points), Henry Raynor (13), Luka Eller (10), Luke Frazier (10), and Chase Toppin (10).
Chase Toppin had 10 points in the Blue Streaks 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
A major key to the Blue Streaks victory was their dominance on the boards. For the game, the Blue Streaks outrebounded the Hawks 42-27. In fact, the Blue Streaks were led in rebounds by Raynor (8), Eller (7), Frazier (7), Jerry Higgins (6) and Yontek (6).
Luke Frazier had 10 points and 7 rebounds in the Blue Streaks 85-81 NCAA Tournament victory over SUNY New Paltz
(Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
John Carroll will host Calvin University on Saturday night with a trip to the Sweet Sixteen on the line.
Tip off is scheduled for 8:20pm.