Illini Bluffs flexed their muscles as the #2 seed in Game 2, storming away to a 62-28 win over the Liberty Eagles. The Tigers got off to a very fast and effective start, leading 23-3 after the first quarter and 38-8 at halftime. To their credit, Liberty did hold their own in the second half, but by then it was too late.
The Tigers had a duo of 17-point scorers in Hank Alvey and Devon White. They combined for a otherworldly 16-of-19 from the floor. Bluffs as a team shot a superb 28-of-42 (66.7%). Of that number, starters shot 76%. Numbers that are hard to sustain, but will nearly always secure yourself a comfortable victory. A returning All-Tournament selection from 2022, Alvey led his team with nine rebounds and swatted a game-high six blocks. The Tigers lived in the paint, outscoring their foes 42-to-20 inside. Toby Cooper had nine points and a tournament-high four steals.
Liberty received a team-high seven points from starting freshman guard Vince Cramsley. Senior forwards Tammer Gimm and Levi Hoener each pitched in six points. Hoener grabbed nine rebounds to lead his team, including an impressive seven from the offensive end. Due in large part to those Hoener offensive rebounds, Liberty led the second chance points category 10-to-8. Liberty shot just 3-for-20 in the first half of play, but did make 9 field goals after the half to cut into the Bluffs lead.
Illini Bluffs (12-2) will now play Game 13, Friday at 5:00pm against West Hancock. Liberty (4-10) will face Canton in Game 9, Friday at 9:00am.
Box Score
Illini Bluffs Info
Liberty Info
Chris Derry
December 28, 2023
