Ocelots Finish Runner-Up In Loaded ICC Holiday Tournament

EAST PEORIA, IL – The Ocelots headed down to Illinois Central College to participate in the loaded ICC Holiday Tournament. The bracket style tournament began on Saturday and concluded on Monday with each team playing 3 games.

Game 1 – The Ocelots began the tournament slotted up against the 16^th ranked team in the nation. North Central Missouri College would be the 3^rd ranked team on the young season for the Ocelots. Things would start off slowly for each team, Schoolcraft shooting 37.5% and NCMC shooting 18.2%. The low percentage from the Pirates combined with their 5 turnovers would allow the Ocelots to gain a 14-9 advantage after 10 minutes. Things would flip in the 2^nd quarter. NCMC would shoot 60% (6/10) from behind the arc which would force the game to a tie going into the halftime break.

Schoolcraft would get reengaged on the defensive end coming out of the break to break the game open. On the Ocelots way to outscoring NCMC 19-9 in the quarter, Schoolcraft would hold the Pirates to a mere 25% from the field, including not letting them get to the free throw line. The defensive intensity would only improve in the 4^th quarter. By holding NCMC to just 7 points in the quarter, Schoolcraft would defend their way to a 56-47 victory.

Game 2- By coming out victorious in the 1^st game of the tournament, Schoolcraft would put themselves in the winner's bracket, sending them to a semi-final game against the hosts, Illinois Central College. These 2 teams have familiarity with each other as the Cougars visited the OcelotZone last year with Schoolcraft coming out on top.

Like the opening game, Schoolcraft would come out firing. The Ocelots would outscore ICC 16-7 in the 1^st quarter before the Cougars would make a run in the 2^nd quarter, outscoring Schoolcraft 22-14, cutting the Ocelot lead to just 1 at the half. Things would remain tight throughout the remainder of the game. The Ocelots would win the 3^rd quarter 11-8 before ICC would take the 4^th quarter 17-13, pushing the game into overtime. Just 1 overtime period would not be enough, however. Both teams would score 10 points a side before the Ocelots would come out victorious in the 2^nd overtime period, winning those 5 minutes 12-9. Sharon Smith led the way for Schoolcraft, scoring 15 points in 48 minutes played.

The big semi-final win would move the Ocelots onto the championship game against the #1 team in the nation.

Game 3- The Ocelots won their way to the championship game and squared off against the #1 team in the nation, Kirkwood Community College. Coming into the championship game undefeated, Kirkwood would show off why they were ranked 1 in the country. Things would be close in the 1^st quarter, 18-14 in favor of Kirkwood, but things would take off from there. Playing their 3^rd game in 3 days and coming off a double overtime game, Schoolcraft would run out of gas. Kirkwood would go on to win the ICC Holiday Tournament, defeating Schoolcraft 86-38 in the championship.

The Ocelots return to the hardwood on Saturday, January 4^th, as they hit the road to face off against their 5^th ranked opponent in a row, Mid Michigan College. The Lakers will come into the game holding an 11-2 record while Schoolcraft currently has a 12-2 record. Tip-off is slated for 1:00PM.