Wednesday, February 18 Preview

A Monday night set of games that found only one home team on celebrating, and that was because of a buzzer beater. The road teams seemed to be the dominating force in the GRAC on this particular night. Conference leading Southwestern Illinois handed the Lake Land Lakers only their second home loss of the season, meanwhile losing Chris Hines for Wednesday night’s matchup with John A Logan. John A. Logan also extended its winning streak to 6 while calming the Blue Storm of Kaskasia in Centralia. The Blue Knights of Olney Central also jumped back on the win train, or in the IECC case, the Victory Vans as they stole one from district foe Wabash Valley. The only team that couldn’t pull off the road win was Lincoln Trail who got stunned by a buzzer beater to fall 74-73.
Wednesday night brings more excitement as the season draws to a close and tension builds. The top three seeds seem to be locked up, minus who holds which one, but the 4-8 seeds are up in the air. With the OCC win Monday night and a LLC loss, the Blue Knights gained a little breathing room for 4th. With Lake Land off tonight and Wabash at Lincoln Trail the Blue Knights wish to keep creating space. While at the top Southwestern and Logan battle it out in Carterville.

Update: New njcaa.org poll; Southwestern Illinois #6, Southeastern Illinois #8

Wednesday’s Matchups:
Olney Central, 16-10 (6-6) @ Lincoln Trail, 6-18 (2-10)
Last Outing:
Olney Central 82 @ Wabash Valley 68 (2-16-09)
Lincoln Trail 73 @ Rend Lake 74 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 77 @ Olney Central 85 (1-21-09)
Notes:
This IECC matchup seems to be a good one. The Blue Knights will hop in the Chevy Express on their way to Robinson looking for something they haven’t seen in a LONG time. With a win tonight the Blue Knights will sweep the IECC regular season schedule. After beating the Warriors of Wabash Valley Monday they look to extend their winning streak to 2. Lincoln Trail has been one of the hottest teams in the lower half. Winning two of last four and one loss coming on a buzzer beater in Ina. These teams matchup really well and both rely on great guard and wing play. Look for a high scoring affair.

Rend Lake, 13-14 (3-10) @ Kaskaskia, 11-15 (3-9)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 73 @ Rend Lake 74 (2-16-09)
John A. Logan 85 @ Kaskaskia 77 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Kaskaskia 87 @ Rend Lake 83 (1-21-09)
Notes:
Rend Lake comes into this game after breaking a 7 game losing streak on a buzzer beater to beat Lincoln Trail. The Devils on the other hand after falling to the Volunteers of John A. Logan look to get back in the win column. Coach Wills and the boys of Rend Lake are no pushover. The Warriors are the type of team capable of knocking off anyone on any given night. Two games behind a struggling Laker team from Lake Land, the Blue Devils hope to finish strong and maybe sneak into the 6th spot. Keep your eye on Coach Hancock’s squad down the stretch.


#8 Southeastern Illinois, 22-2 (10-2) @ Wabash Valley, 17-9 (5-7)
Last Outing:
Southeastern Illinois 71 @ Southwestern Illinois 79 (2-14-09)
Olney Central 82 @ Wabash Valley 68 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 72 @ Southeastern Illinois 84 (1-21-09)
Notes:
Both coming off losses the Falcons travel to Mt. Carmel to try to regroup after falling to #9 Southwestern. The Warriors fought hard early in the game in Harrisburg, but fell short in the second half. Coach Sparks will have the boys in red fired up and ready to respond after falling to district foe, Olney Central Monday night. Coach Todd Franklin was not happy with the way his guys played on Saturday night in Belleville, look for the Falcons to recover and be on a mission tonight against the Warriors.

Game of the Night:
#6 Southwestern Illinois, 25-2 (12-1) @ John A. Logan, 18-7 (10-3)
Last Outing:
Southwestern Illinois 88 @ Lake Land 74 (2-16-09)
John A. Logan 85 @ Kaskaskia 77 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
John A. Logan 76 @ Southwestern Illinois 82 (1-21-09)
Notes:
#1 vs # 3. Logan winners of 6 straight, SWIC winners of 9 straight. SWIC 2 games ahead of Logan. Chris Hines suspended for SWIC. ENOUGH SAID!!!