Harper suffers first loss

The Harper College men's basketball team put its perfect 5-0 record on the line Saturday afternoon in the first of a three-game homestand that started with visiting Kishwaukee College (3-4).

And the Hawks aren't unbeaten any longer after a 78-75 loss.

Kishwaukee had finished sixth in last season's NJCAA Division II national tournament but was 1-4 against North Central Community College Conference opponents this season coming into Saturday's game. The Cougars' only win had been a 62-48 triumph at Rock Valley.

“We got beat at our own game,” said Harper coach Tony Amarino of Kishwaukee's rebounding advantage. “They outworked us.”

Hawks sophomore foward Wes Wilcox (Lake Park) led the Hawks with 28 points. He was nearly unstoppable in the first half, then scored 15 in the second half.

Kishwaukee led 35-33 at the half, but that's as close as the game would be until late in the second half.

Cougars coach Rod Buss was pleased to see his group convert 16 of 20 free throws.

Kishwaukee took its biggest lead of the game about midway through the second half at 73-56.

“Their point guard did a great job (controlling the game),” Amarino said of Kishwaukee sophomore Jon Umoren. “If you win the point guard battle, you usually win the game.”

The Hawks held the Cougars to 5 points over the final five minutes to make it close.