The Eagles led by as many as 16 points in the first half, but went into the break leading 34-25. Benedictine managed to keep its opponents at bay during the second half to pull out the victory. For the game, the Eagles shot an impressive 52 percent from the field, 48 percent from the arc and 83 percent from the free throw line. It also helped that the Eagles out rebounded their opponents 36-25.
Sophomore guard Matt Harrison (Mahomet, Ill., Mahomet-Seymour H.S.) came up big for the Eagles once again as he led all scorers with 18 points thanks to a perfect 4-of-4 effort from the arc. Harrison went 7-of-10 from the field and added two rebounds, two steals and an assist.
Senior guard Isaac Russ (Riverside, Calif., Valley View H.S.) poured in 12 points on a 4-of-5 shooting from the field and a 2-of-2 performance from the arc. Russ also added two rebounds, two steals and an assist.
Senior Bryan Uselding (Carol Stream, Ill., Glenbard North H.S.) scored 11 points and added four rebounds, three assists and a steal.
Junior center Will Crawford (Maywood, Ill., Timothy Christian H.S.), who was named the NIIC player of the week for his performance in a pair of games last week, posted a second straight double-double performance. Crawford scored 10 points and pulled down 11 boards in a team high 29 minutes of action. He also contributed two assists and two steals.
Joemi Byrd led the Crusaders with 16 points and three assists.
The victory improves the Eagles overall record to 14-5 and their NIIC record to 6-1. The Eagles will continue NIIC play on Wednesday, February 11 when they host Eureka College for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.