Elgin, IL - At the start of the day, it was a cause for celebration as the Judson Eagles celebrated 6 seniors on this afternoon for the 2023-2024 Senior Day. The end of the night was also cause for celebration as the Eagles prevailed in a comeback victory over the game Holy Cross Saints 70-65. But the layers in-between was another grind it out battle for JU. 

With the victory, the Eagles have now won five straight home games, and are also riding a current 4-game win streak. Their current record stands at 12-12, and 9-7 in CCAC play. On the recent run, the Eagles have gotten off to hot shooting starts. But against Holy Cross, it was the Saints with the early hot hand, and JU having to grind out possessions. 

The first half saw Holy Cross go 9-15 from 3-point range to take a two point lead into halftime, 39-37. But what turned the tables into Judson's favor was the Saints shooting just 1-11 from the arc in the second half. 

For the Eagles, they really had to dig deep in this contest. Down the stretch, each game is becoming more and more important in terms of the CCAC conference standings. 

JU was down 8 points in the first half before a mini run got them within two at the intermission. 

In the second half, the Eagles were down 58-50 before closing on a 20-7 run to finish off the win. 

Key buckets down the stretch were made by senior Javaris Wiggins who led the way with 20 points. His backcourt counterpart senior Anterrious Rhyan posted a gaudy double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds from the guard position. 

Barik Olden also added 10 points and three assists. 

Once again, the defense down the stretch helped the Eagles prevail. They are becoming a team that can clamp down when needed to grind their way to the finish line. 

Before the game, Judson celebrated 6 seniors: Gavin Alston, Seth Gould, Will Osborne, Anterrious Rhyan, Sam Stewart, and Javaris Wiggins. 

"I am proud of the example these Seniors have set and the culture they continue to cultivate. Strong display of mental toughness with the come-from-behind win tonight!" said Head Coach Bruce Fields after the win. 

Judson has four games left in the regular season, with one final home game on February 21st, against the current conference leaders, Roosevelt. They also hope to be a part of the Conference Tournament in a few weeks. In a current 3-way tie for the 5th seed, again each game becomes that much more important down the stretch for seeding purposes. 

ALLIN