Crystal Lake, Ill. – The men's basketball team picked up their first two wins of the season last week when they took down Madison College and Harper College by scores of 78-53 and 89-67, respectively. The week was finished off with an 83-61 loss to Joliet Junior College on the road.
The Scots handled the Wolfpack easily in the 25-point victory that will go down in history as the first win of Coach Rashim Lettsome's career. Isaiah Jackson finished with 17 points, including 12 in the second half, while Nikola Sinik led all scorers with 23.
Head Coach Rashim Lettsome:
"It's just so surreal. I had some old teammates in the stands and some supporters from when I played here in the stands. I was just so proud of the guys with how they competed, cause that's something we talk about a lot, and I think they really did that today. It does feel really good to get my first win, I got a little emotional in the locker room, but that's just part of being so invested."
"We still have some stuff to clean up, but in the long run, we'll be okay because these guys work hard, and they're dedicated and focused. I'm looking forward to their progress as we move forward. It's not gonna hit me until I watch the film, but it definitely felt good the way guys were flying all over the floor and competing."
Two days later, on November 6, MCC glided to another victory against the Hawks of Harper College, this time by a score of 89-67. After six points in the first half, Sinik put on a scoring clinic in the second, totaling 21 points in the frame for a 27-point ball game. Omar Shouman came up clutch throughout the contest with three big three-pointers that helped put the game on ice.
Head Coach Rashim Lettsome:
"We have a lot of versatile guys, so it's a luxury to have a lot of different guys that we can go to. If I need to throw a guy in there that can bring some energy, or for rebounding, or for defense, I always have somebody to go to."
"[Sinik]'s a big-time player. He can score in a multitude of ways, which makes him a very big threat for us, but other guys are gonna have to step up too because it's only gonna get tougher from here on out."
The first road game of the season for the Scots was also their first loss of the season as they fell to the Wolves by 22. After only being down by two at the break, Joel Watts and Joliet came alive in the second half to run away with it. Watts finished with 16 points.
What's Next?
The Scots (2-1) are back on the road Thursday, November 11, when they take on Rock Valley College. Tipoff against the Eagles is set for 7 p.m.
