Spartans move to 10-0

The Southwestern men's basketball team picked up a pair of victories over NJCAA Division I programs over the weekend at the Hy-Vee Classic hosted by Indian Hills Community College.  On Friday, the Spartans held off a late rally to defeat Richard Daley College 85-81 and on Saturday defeated Kankakee CC 108-56.

"Daley plays extremely hard and at times they competed harder than we did, which was disappointing," said Spartan Coach Todd Lorensen. "On Saturday, against Kankakee we played at an extremely high level defensively which helped translate to transition baskets."

Jordan Johnson had another big night on Friday with 24 points on just nine shot attempts.  He had three assists and three steals to just one turnover.  Jamil Maddred had a stellar night with 21 points and six rebounds while Brodric Thomas pitched in 19 points and had two blocks. 

Saturday was a very balanced effort on the offensive end with six players reaching double figures: Johnson (17), KeShawn Wilson (17), Thomas (16), Calvin Chambers (12), Bennie Curtis (11), and Alijah Thomas (11).  The defense set the tone for the game, as Kankakee could only manage 13 first half points.  The Spartans took a 53-13 lead into the break.

The 11th NJCAA DII ranked Spartans moved to 10-0 on the season which is the best start of the Lorensen era.  Southwestern started 9-1 two seasons ago and 8-2 last season.  They are back in action on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Marshalltown Community College for a 7 p.m. tip-off.