CIS Powerhouse, Carleton Ravens Defeat Illinois State Led by Thompson & Scrubb

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OTTAWA,ON–Though this contest was an exhibition matchup, make no mistake, both teams came for the victory. With The Ravens coming up short last night 66-64 at the last second against the La Salle Explorers, and Illinois State falling to a team of Montreal All-Stars just 24 prior to this contest, both teams wanted redemption. In a long and drawn out affair, Carleton grinded their way to a 90-80 win over the Redbirds.

Elliot Thompson led the Ravens in scoring with 25 points, while Philip Scrubb chipped in with 21 of his own.

                                          

Illinois State jumped out to an early 5-0 lead that caused Carleton to take an early timeout. This energized the Ravens who proceeded to go on a 7-0 run.

Carleton’s freshman recruit Justin Shaver, wearing number 33, scored around the basket and blocked a shot that led to a fast-break Phil Scrubb three-pointer and the Ravens firmly led the game 27-12.

For the Redbird,s it was #32 Jackie Carmichael providing options on offense, including a sky-high jam from the right baseline, but the team defence was porous early. After some adjustments Illinois State went on a 15-5 run to tighten the gap to five points, 38-33.

Without Carleton leaders Tyson Hinz or Cole Hobin on the court, it was Phil Scrubb who iced a pair of free-throws and hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer just before halftime to take a 43-35 lead into the locker room.

The Ravens hit the ground running in the second half and led 50-37, thanks to more action on both ends by Phil Scrubb, but it didn’t last long.

Illinois State made another push including three-pointers from Nic Moore and Trey Blue and used their size inside to seal off smaller defenders with no helpside defence coming across the paint for the Ravens. The Redbirds also tightened up their defense so Carleton couldn’t get to the rim and evened the score at 58 apiece.

Elliot Thompson stepped up for Carleton with a couple of three-pointers to put the Ravens up 68-64, while Phil Scrubb was clutch from distance, building comfort for the Ravens, 75-69.

Anthony Cousin shot a three-pointer and Jon Ekey banged in a putback slam, but Carleton still led 82-77. After a Willy Manigat baseline lay-in put Carleton ahead, they clamped down and came away with a hard-earned victory 90-80.

Carleton plays tonight against the University of Central Florida where Marcus Jordan, son of Michael Jordan, will be at the Ravens Nest. Carleton will play a total of six more games against NCAA opponents between now and September 8th.