Torres Lifts #19 Shawnee Over Rival Rend Lake 72-71

The SCC Men's Basketball team traveled to Rend Lake to face the Warriors on their home opener. Rend Lake came out early and took the lead in front of an enthusiastic crowd, but the Saints battled back and took the lead. As soon as they took the lead, Rend Lake seemed to regain it. "Rend Lake played well the in the first half. They came out with more energy than we did. They made shots and executed well, and we did not." Coach John Sparks said. Rend Lake led at the half 38-32.

Shawnee went on a run at the beginning of the 2nd half and took a ten point lead. But once again the Warriors of Rend Lake battled back. Eventually, Rend Lake over took the Saints, taking the lead with 11.8 seconds on the clock. Coach Sparks called timeout to rally his troops as Rend Lake prepared to shoot free throws. "I told the guys, we have plenty of time. We can score six points in ten seconds if we need to. [Edwin] Torres told me he would bring me home and I knew he would." Coach Sparks said. Tommy Holder missed the free-throw and Torres got the ball and went coast to coast. "I couldn't believe that the lane opened up for me." Torres said. The Saints took the lead and then forced Rend Lank in to another turnover to finish the contest. Shawnee moves to 3-0 and faces John A. Logan Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Ullin, IL.

STATISTICAL LEADERS:

Points: Williams 16, Robinson 12, Lewis 11, & Torres 9
Rebounds: Bernard 13, Williams 6, & Nicholson 4
Assists: Torres 11, Williams 3, & Raynor 2
Steals: Torres 6, Williams, Robinson, & Thomas with 2 each
See the Complete Box Score