The OCC men's basketball team made the trek to Freeport, IL for the William Bear Tournament and returned with a 2-1 record. The first game was Friday at 3 PM where the Blue Knights defeated Black Hawk-East 79-70. John Brown (19pts), Dmitri Reaves (18pts) and Brook Pampe (16 pts) let the way. Reeves went 12-12 from the free throw line.
By staying in the winners bracket the Knights moved on to play Sauk Valley at 11 AM on Saturday in one semifinal match. OCC won 83-68 and had five players in double digits. Trey Mitchell (18), John Brown (16), Carson Smith (15), Jamal Cummings (10) and Dmitri Reeves (10).
In the championship game, against the host school Highland Community College, the Knights fell by the score of 95-92. John Brown had 20 points and Trey Mitchell added 19 in the loss. Dmitri Reaves (17), Dominic Jackson (13) and Carson Smith (10) were also in double digits scoring. The most glaring statistic, however, was the 46 free throws shot by the home team versus the 23 attempted by the Knights.
John Brown and Trey Mitchell were both named to the All-Tournament team at the conclusion of the championship game. The Knights are now off until after break. They will play their next contest January 8 when they host John A. Logan in a GRAC matchup.