Elmhurst led almost from the beginning as Gwynedd-Mercy’s only lead came on the opening bucket, a 3-pointer by Matt Johnson. Elmhurst quickly evened the score on a trey from Mike Sayre (Streamwood/H.S.). The Bluejays scored the next nine points to grab a 12-3 lead and never looked back. Gwynedd-Mercy closed the deficit to six points a few minutes later but would get no closer. The Bluejays pushed their lead to as many as 13 in the first half and led 41-32 at the break.
Ryan Burks poured in 13 first half points on 4-of-7 shooting to pace the Bluejays at the break. Jack Forth led Gwynedd-Mercy with 10 points at the break.
The Bluejays opened the second half on a 12-0 run to push their lead to 21 points (53-32). Elmhurst built their lead to as many as 23 points and cruised to the 79-62 victory.
The Bluejays finished the game shooting 44.2 percent (23-of-52) from the floor and 38.9 percent (7-of-18) from beyond the arc. Elmhurst converted 26-of-39 attempts from the foul line (66.7 percent).
Gwynedd-Mercy shot 40 percent (20-of-50) from the floor and 27.8 percent (5-of-18) from long range. The Griffins struggled from the foul line, hitting only 17-of-31 attempts (54.8 percent).
Elmhurst owned the glass, outrebounding Gwynedd-Mercy 47-25.
Five Bluejays finished the game with double figures in scoring. Burks led the way with 19 points on 6-of-9 shooting. He also pulled down five rebounds. Pat Bacon came off the bench to score 15 points. Brian Lee totaled 13 points (4-of-8), nine rebounds and six assist. Nick Michael added 11 points and six rebounds. Brent Ruch added seven points and nine boards. Jared Hintzsche helped with the Bluejays with their rebounding edge, coming off the bench to grab eight rebounds.
Gwynedd-Mercy was led by Forth’s 18 points. Matt Johnson finished with 13 points and seven rebounds in the loss.
Elmhurst will face Albion on Friday, December 22, on the tournament’s second and final day.
In other action at the tournament, Buffalo State College (6-3) knocked off Albion College (2-5) 65-59. Kharey Wood poured in 17 points to lead Buffalo State while
Ishmael Skylark finished with nine points. Albion was led by 17 points and six rebounds from Andrew Holms. Evan Way came off the bench to finish with 10 points.
In the final game of the night, Lincoln University (6-3) pounded 25th-ranked North Central College (5-3) 75-53. The Lions were led by Sami Wyle’s 14 points. Ja’Juan Robinson added 12 points and six assists in the win. Dan Walton paced North Central with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Brandon Smith finished with 13 for the Cardinals.