By Ranny Ma
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, The OG, sports

CHAMPAIGN — After a home victory against the Shiloh Raiders on Friday, the Illineks hoped to continue their winning ways Tuesday against crosstown rival St. Thomas More.

But the Sabers were having none of that, defeating Uni 54-32, which put the Illineks' record at 3-3.

A sluggish start contributed to Uni's early deficit, which the team was never able to overcome. Offensive woes characterized the game for the Illineks as no one was able to get hot from the field.

By the end of the first quarter, the Sabers led 18-9. Junior Isaac Radnitzer had 4 of Uni's 9 points.

The Illineks showed some sign of life during the second quarter. They pulled within 2 after 5 consecutive points by junior Chumar Williams, which narrowed STM's lead to 18-16.

However, that was as close as they would get the rest of the game. Uni didn't score another point the second quarter, and the Sabers went into halftime with a 27-16 advantage.

Things didn't get any better for the Illineks in the third quarter. They were unable to score a single point until 2:12, when junior Mike Renner hit a free throw to make the score 41-17.

While Uni struggled on offense, STM stretched the lead after hitting some clutch shots. The Sabers led 45-21 going into the final quarter and never looked back.

“We didn't execute on offense and played extremely soft on defense,” junior Frankie McFarland said.

Renner led the team with 7 points, while Williams and Radnitzer both had 6.

Uni's next game is at home against the Fisher Bunnies Saturday at 6 p.m.

VARSITY RECORD: 3-3 overall (2-3 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: Illineks get back on winning track, defeat Shiloh

Dec. 5: at St. Thomas More, L 54-32
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 7 pts
— story: see above