The 2019 College Basketball postseason is underway in the divisions covered here at Balladeer’s Blog! As usual the NAIA’s Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference tipped things off with Round One of their Conference Tournament last night.
TOP SEED FALLS – The 8th seeded UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS (IL) FIGHTING SAINTS took on the CCAC’s top seeded OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY TIGERS. The Fighting Saints showed they were in it for the win, playing hard enough for a 34-33 edge at Halftime. The teams put up 47 points each in the explosive 2nd Half as USF emerged with an 81-80 Upset. Cole Micek led the victors with 24 points.
FOUR OVER FIVE – In the 4 spot the ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY LAKERS (shoutout to a regular reader of Balladeer’s Blog who went there) welcomed the 5th seeded ROBERT MORRIS (IL) UNIVERSITY EAGLES. The Eagles put the Lakers on Upset Alert at the break with a 31-28 advantage but Roosevelt U came roaring back for a 79-70 victory. Kevin Day’s 23 points led the Lakers and his teammate Grant Gibson notched a Double Double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Continue reading
FIRST QUARTERFINAL – The 6th seeded SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY COUGARS visited the 3 seeds – the TRINITY INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY TROJANS. 
SECOND QUARTERFINAL – In the 2 spot the ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY LAKERS welcomed the 7th seeded CARDINAL STRITCH UNIVERSITY WOLVES. The Lakers dominated the Wolves on both sides of the ball, keeping them under 30 points in each Half while getting a lot of separation Offensively. 
INSTANT CLASSIC – The tightest game of the night was played between the 3rd seeded CALUMET COLLEGE CRIMSON WAVE and the 6 seeds – the UNIVERSITY OF SAINT FRANCIS (IL) FIGHTING SAINTS. Despite a pitiful night from the Foul Line (Just 56.5 percent!) the Crimson Wave still managed to win this hardcourt epic 84-82. Damonte Lowery tossed in 21 points and had 6 rebounds for Calumet College, while his teammate Darrick Scott notched a Double Double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. 
CATFIGHT – This game pitted the 4 seeds – the OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY TIGERS – against the 5th seeded SAINT XAVIER UNIVERSITY COUGARS. After an action-packed First Half the Tigers trailed the Cougars by a score of 51-46. Following the break Olivet Nazarene’s defense virtually shut down SXU while adding 45 more points of their own for a 91-77 triumph. Nic Reed led the way with 30 points and 9 rebounds followed by Tyler Crater’s 25 points and 6 boards. 
… At least it does in the Divisions covered here at Balladeer’s Blog. Per tradition the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference is the first to hit the hardcourt with their Conference Tournament. 
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