OGLESBY, IL – An injury to freshman standout Alexander Hutson proved costly as the Ancilla College men’s basketball team fell 72-64 at Illinois Valley Community College on Wednesday.
Hutson, who came into the game leading Ancilla in points (21.2), assists (6.7), and steals (2.8) per game, rolled his ankle early in the second half, leaving the Chargers (6-4) without their primary creator.
Despite the setback, Ancilla managed to stay in the game. The Chargers led by a single point with seven minutes to play, but a 6-0 run by Illinois Valley (5-6) allowed the hosts to pull away late.
“Close games magnify the importance of details,” said Ancilla head coach Greg Neeley. “We weren’t good at some of those details down the stretch and it cost us.”
Sophomore Joby Renbarger led the Chargers with 20 points and nine rebounds on the night while fellow sophomore Josh Wilson chipped in with 11 points.
Fortunately for Ancilla – and Hutson – Wednesday’s game marked the final contest of the first semester. The break should allow the Chargers to heal up and prepare for the start of the conference season.
The Chargers will resume play on January 4 when they host MCCAA Western Conference rival Muskegon Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the LifePlex in Plymouth.
