Eagles Start New Year With Conference Win

Elgin, IL - The Eagles first game of the new 2025 year was a home conference match-up against the Trinity Trolls on Saturday night. The game was a evenly matched, good competitive game from start to finish. Tied at the intermission, it was the Eagles coming away with a critical CCAC win 89-84 inside of the Lindner Center. 

The Trolls came out hot knocking down their first few three pointers for an early lead. But, in a game of runs, both teams found themselves battling back from deficits. JU is now 5-8 overall, and 2-4 in CCAC play. They still have some work to do in order to crack the top eight for the conference tournament. 

It was a workmen like effort for George Bellevue who had 19 points on the night. He also had 11 rebounds in the game for his first double-double of the season. Bellevue nearly had a triple-double with 8 assists, as he led the team in all three categories. 

Senior leader Cee Jay Nwosu added 17 points. It is his fourth straight game of 15+ points. He also had four steals in the game, including a couple of key swipes late in the second half. 

Sam Ellis, Dorien Little, and Bronson Bartuch also produced double digit points, all scoring 11 for the game. "We did a nice job of playing for each other, and complimenting each other," said head coach Bruce Fields. "A good way to start the year, and hopefully continue to build off of."

The Eagles shot 50.9% from the field, and 25-32 from the free throw line. JU also out-rebounded Trinity 35-25 for the game.

Judson was down by as many as 9 points in the game, but fought back. Again, in a game of runs, JU was trailing by four points with eight minutes left to play before getting the stops they needed to push toward the finish line. A part of that final eight minutes, was two big three pointers by Bartuch who is developing a knack for knocking down a big shot when the Eagles have to have it. 

Judson will host East-West University on Monday night before a stretch of 4 out of 5 road games all in conference. This part of the schedule may very well determine if the Eagles are a factor in the top 8 come the end of the season.