Top-Ranked Eagles Improve to 4-0 After Weekend Sweep in Quincy
Quincy, IL- The top-ranked Kirkwood Eagles Men's Basketball Team continued their hot start to the 2025–26 season, improving to 4-0 after a pair of impressive victories at the Town and Country Inn & Suites Classic hosted by John Wood Community College. The Eagles topped Arkansas State Mid-South 87–77 on Friday and followed with a 78–68 win over North Arkansas College on Saturday, showcasing depth, balance, and defensive toughness across the weekend.
Friday: Kirkwood 87, Arkansas State Mid-South 77
Kirkwood overcame a five-point halftime deficit behind a strong second-half surge, outscoring the Greyhounds 50–35 after the break.
Sophomore Chris Coleman led the way with 23 points and 11-of-12 shooting from the free-throw line. Freshman forward Manasse Kasongo recorded a dominant double-double, posting 13 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks while shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the stripe.
Sophomore Ben Bockman added 12 points on 2-of-6 shooting from deep, while Landon Deiters and Yaris Irby provided key sparks off the bench with 10 and 13 points respectively. The Eagles converted an elite 92.3% from the line (36-of-39) and forced 15 turnovers that led to 23 points, underscoring their aggressive and efficient style of play.
Saturday: Kirkwood 78, North Arkansas 68
The Eagles carried that momentum into Saturday's matchup, leading wire-to-wire in a balanced 78–68 victory over North Arkansas College.
Sophomore guard Richard Lindsey Jr. set the tone with 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds, while Coleman added another strong effort with 16 points on 5-of-7 shooting. Freshman Ben Bockman continued his hot perimeter shooting, connecting on five three-pointers to finish with 15 points.
Point guard Germaine Benson orchestrated the offense beautifully with six assists and nine points, while Kasongo anchored the defense again, collecting seven rebounds and six steals in a gritty performance. Kirkwood shot a sharp 48% from three-point range (14-of-29) and forced 18 turnovers, turning them into fast-break and transition opportunities throughout the contest.
Next Up
The #1 Eagles return home to Johnson Hall this Tuesday, November 11, to host John Wood Community College at 6 p.m. as they look to stay unbeaten and continue building early-season momentum before heading into conference play.
