Eagles Earn First Win

Chicago, IL - The Eagles led the game for 93% of the time, and fortunately, they led when it mattered most, at the final buzzer. 

Judson traveled to the city to take on Illinois Tech for one last tune up before conference play gets started next week. For the second straight game against a Division III opponent, JU played really crisp in the opening quarter. They led 18-12 after one. Easton Kimball got off to a nice start. She finished with a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the game. 

For the second straight game, the Eagles helped themselves from the free throw line, and took a 30-27 lead into half. While they missed three of their final four shots from the line, for the game JU went 13-20 for a 65% clip. 

Early on, what has been the bugaboo for the Eagles has been the pesky third quarter. But on this night, the Eagles tallied 24 points in the third quarter alone. They shot 10-19 from the floor in the frame. newcomers Brooke Heiman and Aliyah Kvamme had solid nights. Heiman led the way with 13 points added 12 points and four assists. 

While it got tense late, the Eagles were able to hold on in the final minute. Illinois Tech missed a 3-pointer that would have given them the lead. And in the final second off of an inbound play, the Scarlet Hawks missed a jumper that would have forced overtime. 

The Eagles did play well though for all four quarters controlling the pace. They outrebounded Illinois Tech 45-33, and also won the turnover battle. 

A key stat for Judson was getting great bench play for a total team effort. The JU bench outscored IIT 39-12. 

Judson will now take the court next on Wednesday night when they host Calumet in their conference opener.