Alan Kornspan
Believeland Media
University Heights, OH - The John Carroll Blue Streaks Men's Basketball Team started their contest with the Mount Union Purple Raiders quickly as Luke Frazier had a slam dunk five seconds into the game.
Luke Frazier had 18 points in the Blue Streaks 96-61 victory over the Purple Raiders. (Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
And with that dunk, the nation's eighth ranked D3 men's basketball team was off and running as they defeated the 12th ranked University of Mount Union Purple Raiders, 96-61.
Halfway through the first half, the John Carroll Blue Streaks went up 28-14 after Chase Toppin converted two free throws with 10:40 left in the first half.
Chase Toppin led the Blue Streaks with 21 points in their 96-61 victory over the Purple Raiders. (Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
In the last ten minutes of the first half, the Blue Streaks kept their foot on the gas pedal as they opened up a 33-point lead to go into halftime up 58-25.
In the post-game interview, Coach Moran emphasized that transition buckets and rebounding were keys to success in their dominant performance over the Purple Raiders.
“I think ultimately those first ten minutes set the tone for the rest of the game,” said Coach Moran.
“I'm kind of speechless. I wasn't expecting that. I know our guys are continuing to push each other on the defensive end and that obviously led to transition buckets. I think we had 17 first half transition buckets.”
“Rebounding, I think we out rebounded them by 17 in the first half. I think we just really set the tone early on and I couldn't be more proud.”
In addition to their edge in transition buckets and rebounding, the Blue Streaks were able to open up a 33-point lead because of their excellent shooting from the field.
In the first half, the Blue Streaks shot 57.9% from the field (22-38) while Mount Union shot only 22.8% from the field. In addition, the Blue Streaks shot 52.9% from beyond the arc, while the Purple Raiders were only 3-15 from beyond the three point line in the first half.
With a 33-point lead going into the second half, the Blue Streaks extended their lead to 47 points after Chase Toppin converted two free throws to give the Blue Streaks a 76-29 advantage with 13:31 left in the game.
The Blue Streaks added 20 more points as they went on to defeat the Purple Raiders, 96-61.
For the game, the Blue Streaks had four players in double figures.
Luke Chicone had 17 points in the Blue Streaks 96-61 victory over the Purple Raiders (Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
Leading the Blue Streaks offensively were Chase Toppin (21 points), Luke Frazier (18), Luke Chicone (17), and Jerry Higgins (10).
Jerry Higgins had 10 points in the Blue Streaks 96-61 victory over the Purple Raiders. (Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
With the victory, the Blue Streaks extend their winning streak to five games and move to 13-1 on the season and a perfect 7-0 in OAC conference play.
The Blue Streaks will next travel to Marietta College on Saturday, January 13th to take on the Pioneers.
John Carroll Student Section cheering on the Blue Streaks to a 96-61 victory over the Purple Raiders. (Alan Kornspan/Believeland Media)
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