Harper women's team fights past Triton

Facing a 12-point deficit with 8:40 left in the first half, the Harper women's basketball team showed the kind of resolve needed to win against visiting Triton in North Central Community College Conference play Wednesday.

"We had to come back as a team and work hard," said Harper's Ashonte Sims, who finished with 16 points.

That hard work helped the Hawks overcome the early challenge as Harper won 70-54.

Hawks coach Jenny Turpel said she was pleased with the selflessness she saw from her team.

And the game-high 38 points from Joslyn Nicholson was nice, too. Joining Sims and Nicholson in double-figure scoring was Kim Herzog (10 points).

The victors kept the game plan simple, according to Nicholson: "Everyone needs to touch the ball," she said. "Setting that tone kept it consistent for us."

Harper had 46 rebounds, including 16 on the offensive end.

"Tonight we did a good job rebounding, especially offensively," Turpel said.

Candace Madison led Triton with 19 points.

Harper improved to 8-15 overall and 2-6 in the N4C, while Triton dropped to 3-22 and 2-7.

Men's game: The Hawks were hoping for a better showing against the No. 1-ranked team in the country, Triton.

But there was still plenty of good on display in the Hawks' 79-57 loss.

Harper guard Marcus Gatlin scored a team-high 16 points and credited a young guest for his nice numbers.

Seven-year-old Kadeem Alansari was in attendance, the result of Harper's cooperative effort with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, a non-profit outfit that helps children and their families cope with brain tumors.

"I got inspired," Gatlin said. "I just wanted to play hard for him."

Coach Justin Welke likes the overall development he's seen in Gatlin since conference play began.

"He's really made a whole-life transformation," Welke said. "I saw him do things tonight I have not seen him do before."

Admir Suljic contributed 15 points and Davion Benton, despite battling cramps, contributed 14 points and 14 rebounds.

"All of these guys are maturing," Welke said. "It's fun to watch."

Harper slipped to 8-17 overall and 1-8 in the N4C, while Triton is 23-2 and 9-0.