“We played pretty good,” said junior Tyrone Coleman. “I think we could have done a lot better. We need to get back to skill work and work on getting back on defense, but overall I thought it was pretty solid.”
The Muskies went 27-60 from the field, shooting 45 percent, while also shooting 50 percent for the game from behind the 3-point arc.
“We shot the basketball well,” said head coach Gary Grzesk. “I think some guys were due to break out of a slump. I think it was good to come out strong with a lot of intensity early on to set the tone for the rest of the game. Also, I thought once we subbed the guys that came off the bench did an outstanding job.”
Sophomore guard Aaron Regal led the four Muskies who scored in double digits as he went 4-4 from field goal range, including a perfect 3-3 from behind the arc, for 17 points and four assists on the night. Also scoring in double digits for the Muskies was senior Nick Howard (13), freshman Matt Rogers (13) and sophomore Kris Saiberlich (11).
“I thought Aaron (Regal) had one of the best games of his career,” said Grzesk.
The Muskies defense was led by freshman Peter Worth, who grabbed nine boards and had two steals. The defense held IIT to just 22 percent shooting in the first half and 32 percent for the game, while forcing 12 turnovers.
The Muskies, 4-1 in Lake Michigan Conference play, start an important two game conference road swing on Tuesday, Jan. 10 when they face Dominican. They will return home on Jan. 17 for a game against LMC foe Marian at 7 p.m.