By Ranny Ma
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006, The OG, sports

URBANA — After a two-game skid last week in the Central Illinois Turkey Tourney, the Uni boys varsity basketball team rebounded Friday night with a victory — and this time there was no need for last-second heroics.

The Illineks defeated the Shiloh Raiders 55-46 at Kenney Gym behind junior Mike Renner's season-high 29 points. The win raises the team's record to 3-2.

Uni battled the Raiders closely throughout the first quarter. With only seconds remaining and trailing 11-10, Renner made a 3-pointer at the buzzer, which allowed the Illineks to go into the second quarter with a 13-11 lead and the momentum.

Renner caught on fire in the second quarter and made several key 3-pointers. Shiloh was able to fight back, but at halftime the Illineks led 31-24. Renner already had 21 points at that stage.

In the third quarter both teams traded baskets back and forth. At one point the Raiders came within 6 points, 33-27. But Uni was able to take back the momentum, ending the quarter with a 45-31 lead.

On several occasions in the final period, the Raiders were able to reduce the Illineks' advantage to 11. But in contrast to Uni's previous two games, one of which went into overtime while the other went down to the wire in regulation, the Illineks remained in control, never giving up the lead.

With 1:25 to go and the score 50-39, Renner connected again, pushing the margin to 13. The Illineks' defense made sure the Raiders didn't get any closer than 11 until the final seconds, when Shiloh hit a 3-pointer to end the scoring.

Renner finished the game with his team-high 29. He also grabbed 8 rebounds while junior Isaac Radnitzer pulled down 7.

Senior Michael Belmont added 9 points; Radnitzer contributed 7. Renner nailed three 3-pointers. Belmont and junior Austin Rundus each made one trey. Belmont and junior Chumar Williams both had 3 assists.

The Illineks will visit crosstown rival St. Thomas More Tuesday night in Champaign.

VARSITY RECORD: 3-2 overall (2-2 against varsity competition)
(Games at Kenney Gym are in bold)

Season Preview: A new era begins

Nov. 20: Buckley Christ Lutheran (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), W 50-44
— leading scorer: Michael Belmont, 12 pts
— story: Uni wins season opener over Buckley Christ Lutheran

Nov. 21: Mahomet-Seymour JV (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), W 58-53
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 18 pts
— story: Illineks defeat Mahomet-Seymour JV in Turkey Tourney

Nov. 24: Bement (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), L 54-46 (OT)
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 13 pts
— story: Illineks fall in overtime

Nov. 25: Martinsville (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney, at A-H), L 51-48
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 24 pts
— story: Illineks go down to the wire again

Dec. 1: Shiloh, W 55-46
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 29 pts
— story: see above