#2 Eagles Survive Thriller in Quincy, Edge John Wood 69–68
QUINCY, Ill. — In a quick rematch, the #2 Kirkwood Eagles Men's Basketball Team went on the road Friday night and escaped Mt. Dew Court with a gritty 69–68 victory over John Wood Community College. The Eagles, now 6–1, completed the season sweep and had to dig deep to do it.
The teams were deadlocked 28–28 at halftime, but Kirkwood's second-half surge from the field ultimately proved the difference. After shooting just 31% in the opening 20 minutes, the Eagles roared back with 60.9% shooting in the second half, including a trio of timely threes that swung momentum their way.
Balanced Attack Leads the Way
Cole Marsh delivered one of his most complete efforts of the season, finishing with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and a pair of threes. His inside-out scoring helped spark Kirkwood's second-half push.
Sophomore Richard Lindsey Jr. added 12 points and was aggressive getting downhill, converting 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. Tyler Netolicky and Germaine Benson each chipped in 9 points, with Benson supplying valuable perimeter shooting and playmaking.
Off the bench, Ben Bockman gave Kirkwood a major lift, knocking down three triples on his way to 9 points, while Yaris Irby added 6 points and a team-high 4 steals, swinging momentum defensively late in the first half and again down the stretch.
Kirkwood's depth and defensive pressure were decisive, as the Eagles outscored the Blazers 16–6 off turnovers and held John Wood without a single second-chance point.
Late-Game Poise Seals It
With under a minute remaining and the game hanging in the balance, Kirkwood's composure proved crucial. Strong rebounding, controlled possessions, and efficient late-game free-throw shooting allowed the Eagles to withstand one final push from the Blazers.
John Wood shot a blistering 48% from three and had four players in double figures, but Kirkwood's defensive discipline and offensive execution in key moments secured the narrow win.
Stat Highlights
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Cole Marsh: 13 pts, 7 reb
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Richard Lindsey Jr.: 12 pts, 4 reb
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Germaine Benson: 9 pts, 4 ast
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Tyler Netolicky: 9 pts, 4 reb
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Ben Bockman: 9 pts, 3 threes
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Yaris Irby: 6 pts, 4 stl
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Kirkwood bench: 21 points
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Points off turnovers: Kirkwood 16–6
Up Next
The Eagles now turn their attention to ICCAC play, opening conference action at home on Tuesday against the #10 Ellsworth Panthers inside Johnson Hall. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM as Kirkwood looks to carry its momentum into league competition.
