2022 Game 1 Recap: Illini Bluffs 56, Monmouth-Roseville 42

In the opening game of the 2022 Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament, the Tigers of Illini Bluffs held off a late charge from the Titans of Monmouth-Roseville to claim a 56-42 win. The first half was all Bluffs as they came out warmed up on this cold late December morning. The Tigers took a 27-13 lead into halftime. The third quarter was an opportunity for Illini Bluffs to increase their lead, and it was their most dominant period. At the end of the third quarter, it was a commanding 46-19 lead by Illini Bluffs. Monmouth-Roseville came alive in the fourth quarter and decisively won the period by the score of 23-10. However, by that point, it was too little, too late.

Illini Bluffs (11-2) was led in scoring (13), rebounding (seven), assists (five), and blocks (two) by Hank Alvey in a very impressive all-around effort. Bluffs had two others in double digits, as Brandon Coats added 12 points and Ben Kaczmarek pitched in an additional 11. Devon White had nine points off the bench. Wyatt Hendel swiped three steals.

Monmouth-Roseville (6-7) was paced by Nico Avendano and CJ Johnson, who both finished with 11 points. Johnson also grabbed a game-high nine rebounds to lead a Titans rebounding effort that actually out-boarded Bluffs 27-20. Avendano added six rebounds of his own. Jerome Jackson dished out three assists to lead his team.

Bluffs moves on to the quarterfinals to play the winner of Game 2. Monmouth-Roseville slides into the consolation bracket and will play the loser of Game 2.

Box Score

Illini Bluffs Info
Monmouth-Roseville Info

Chris Derry
December 27, 2022