JOLIET, Ill. (November 26, 2023) - The #14 St. Thomas University (STU) Men's Basketball team traveled to the Windy City this weekend to face the University of St. Francis and Roosevelt University. The Bobcats defeated St. Francis on Saturday in overtime, but fell to Roosevelt on Sunday, going 1-1 on their trip to the Windy City.
The Bobcats faced the Fighting Saints of St. Francis for the first time in seriest history on Saturday, November 25. The first half saw a tight battle, with St. Francis taking a narrow lead of 27-24. Milton Matthews led the charge with 18 points, showcasing his proficiency in three-pointers. Matthews played for 41 minutes, making 7 of his 16 field goal attempts, including 4 three-pointers. He also contributed 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers, and 2 blocks. Jordan Hernandez and Daniel Ogoro added 13 points each, contributing significantly to the team's score.
The game proved to be a seesaw, with the lead changing hands five times. The Bobcats fought hard in the second half, improving their shooting percentages and narrowing the gap. In the end, regulation time wasn't enough to determine the winner, and the teams entered overtime with a score of 55-55.
Overtime unfolded with heightened intensity. Stipe Sokol and Joshua Thrower made crucial plays, each contributing six points during this crucial period. The Bobcats managed to outscore the Fighting Saints in overtime, securing a hard-fought victory with a final score of 63-61.
The Bobcats then faced off against the Lakers of Roosevelt University in a gripping contest at the Pat Sullivan Center on November 26. The first half of the game saw the Bobcats take the lead with a score of 33-31. Matthews was once again leading the team with 21 points, including three successful three-pointers. Matthews played for 35 minutes, demonstrating his versatility with 8 field goals, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
However, the Lakers were not to be outdone. In a closely contested battle, Roosevelt fought back, securing a lead in the second half with a final score of 62-59. The game statistics painted a picture of the intense competition that unfolded on the court. Ogoro contributed 9 points, showcasing his skills with 3 field goals and 2 three-pointers. Thrower added 9 points to the scoreboard, making crucial plays during his 28 minutes on the court.
Although the St. Thomas University Bobcats ultimately fell short, the game showcased their resilience and determination. As the teams left the court, the Bobcats were already looking ahead to their next challenge, eager to bounce back and continue their pursuit of success in the season.
The Bobcats have since departed the Windy City and will head home to host Baptist Bible on Wednesday, November 29th at 7 p.m. in the Fernandez Family Center.
-STU-
