The Detroit Titans beat Youngstown State Tuesday night to advance in the Horizon League tournament. Photo/Horizon League Network
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]ne game looked decided at half, the other appeared as if it would come down to the final possession. The two contests that kicked off this year’s Horizon League tournament were both must-watch March college hoops.
In the end, Detroit and Illinois-Chicago emerged victorious Tuesday night from their respective matchups with well-earned victories, the latter in quite shocking fashion.
No. 6 UIC 60, No. 7 Wright State 57
Illinois-Chicago shocked Billy Donlon’s team by overcoming a 19-point deficit to emerge with a victory over the Raiders.
The Flames slowly but surely were able to solve the Raiders’ defense, including plenty of zone looks, steadily eating away at the lead. Made 3-pointers by Ahman Fells and Jay Harris finally put UIC ahead, and despite a deadly accurate shooter from distance, a three-point attempt by freshman Grant Benzinger with 46 seconds to go that could have given Wright State the lead hit rim and went out to UIC (9-23). After a pair of made free throws by Harris, the Raiders had a final chance to tie the game, but couldn’t get a shot off before time expired.
Wright State (11-20) forward and leading scorer JT Yoho, along with Steven Davis, both of whom played in the Raiders’ 61-46 loss to UIC in Saturday’s regular-season finale, were deemed questionable for Tuesday’s meeting, but neither saw the court.
Reluctant to be eliminated on their home court, seniors Harris and Ahman Fells combined for 34 points on a night where the Flames struggled to find themselves offensively early on.
“All I did was challenge those seniors to step up and perform,” UIC coach Howard Moore said afterward. “I have an unbelievable senior class. Those kids have fought for me all year long.”
The Flames will face No. 3 Oakland in Friday night’s quarterfinal opener at 7 p.m. ET (WatchESPN).
No. 5 Detroit 77, No. 8 Youngstown State 67
It wasn’t until less than four minutes remained that Detroit grabbed the first lead of the night, but they walked away with a double-digit victory.
The Titans (15-17) emerged with a victory over Youngstown State in a Horizon League tournament quarterfinal matchup at Calihan Hall on Tuesday night that was closely combated despite the final score’s appearance.
Despite starting the game from the bench for unspecified reasons, senior forward Juwan Howard Jr. finished with 20 points and six rebounds, part of the Titans’ heavy offensive onslaught from the reserves. Much of that also came courtesy of Chris Jenkins, responsible for team-highs of 21 points and nine rebounds.
Although they tied the game numerous times, Detroit struggled to jump ahead as the Penguins were able to stay even in a game that was not surprisingly predicated more on offense. Ultimately, though, the visitors were the ones who ran out of answers. After Shawn Amiker‘s jumper with 4:56 remaining, the Penguins finished the game 1-for-10, the lone making coming by Jalon Plummer with 20 seconds left and the game’s outcome decided.
For Youngstown State (11-21) starters finished in double figures, including junior forwardBobby Hain, who had a team-high 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting.
The Titans will fight on in the second quarterfinal on Friday, taking on No. 4 Cleveland State.
*Report first taken from our partners at Press Row Sports.
