JACKSONVILLE, Ill. - Sophomore guard/forward Blake Williams (Lone Tree, Colo.) contributed a game-high 19 points with three baskets from 3-point range, team-best eight rebounds and two assists to lead the Carroll University men's basketball team to a 67-53 victory over host Illinois College in the championship game of the Bill Merris Tip-Off Tournament at Sherman Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
It was the fourth consecutive nonconference victory of the early season for Carroll, which improved to 4-0 overall for the first time since the start of the 2015-16 season.
The victory took on added significance as it was the prestigious 300th career victory for Carroll head coach Paul Combs, in his seventh season with the Pioneers and 21st at the collegiate level.
"We played two good teams and had to beat the host school on its home floor to win the tourney championship," said Combs, of his team's tenacious weekend effort. "Our team defense and mental toughness were terrific the entire weekend. I'm very happy for our five seniors who are the backbone of this program both on and off the court.
"Winning 300 games is a representation of all the outstanding student-athletes, coaches and support staff I have been fortunate to be around the last 21 seasons. It was extra special to do it with this team at Carroll and my current staff. This is truly a team accomplishment."
Carroll led 35-32 with 17:26 remaining but seized control of the momentum by responding with 13 unanswered points over a critical five minute stretch - ignited by a 3-point basket and free throw by Williams with 15:37 left.
Junior guard Ryan Clarey (Pewaukee, Wis.) followed with 12 points - including 4 of 4 free throws - five rebounds, a team-high six assists, a steal and a blocked shot for Carroll, which made 12 of 12 free throws, nine 3-pointers and shot 41.1 percent from field-goal range. Senior forward Kale Maupin (Peotone, Ill.) finished with 10 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Senior forward Charlie Soule (Oregon, Wis.) chipped in nine points with 4 of 4 free throws, five rebounds and a steal for the Pioneers, who scored 19 points off of turnovers. Senior guard Nick Penny (Lake Zurich, Ill.) collected eight points, junior guard Justin Gruber (Menomonee Falls, Wis.) had six points and junior guard Tarren Hall (New Lisbon, Wis.) added three points.
Williams and Clarey each were named to the all-tournament team.
Williams - who was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament - finished with 46 points, 17 rebounds, six 3-pointers, 8 of 10 free throws, three assists, three steals and a blocked shot. Clarey combined for 18 points, 6 of 6 free throws, 12 assists, nine rebounds, five steals and a blocked shot.
Jake Mzrimas and Tre Rogers each scored a team-high 14 points for Illinois College, which dropped to 2-3 overall.
Stay up to date on Carroll men's basketball this season by going online to www.gopios.com, or by following the Pioneers on Facebook (Carroll University Athletics), Twitter (@pio_athletics), and Instagram (@pio_athletics).
BILL MERRIS TIP-OFF TOURNAMENT
(at Illinois College's Sherman Gymnasium)
Friday's Results
Carroll University 73, Central College 62
Illinois College 81, Lincoln Christian University 71
Saturday's Results
Third Place
Central College 102, Lincoln Christian University 67
Championship
Carroll University 67, Illinois College 53
All-Tournament Team
Blake Williams (Carroll University), Ryan Clarey (Carroll University), Jake Mzrimas (Illinois College), Tre Rogers (Illinois College), Adam Flinn (Central College)
