CHICAGO – Grant Gibson led all scorers with a career-high 27 points, and the Roosevelt men's basketball team defeated visiting Illinois Tech 71-54 inside the Goodman Center on Thursday evening.
Jake Ludwig added 18 points and Bennett Fuzak scored 10 off the bench for the Lakers (1-3), who picked up their first win of the season despite playing their second game in three nights.
Max Hisatake led the Scarlet Hawks with 19 points.
Gibson was the story, as he used his typical hustle and grit along with efficient shooting to amass his best statistical output as a Laker. The senior guard went 8-for-11 from the floor and missed just one of his five three-point attempts on the night to go with 7-for-8 shooting at the charity stripe. The Galesburg, Illinois native also added five rebounds.
Ludwig was also back to his usual self after missing a majority of Tuesday night's second half against 23rd-ranked Bethel (Ind.) due to leg cramps. A fully-hydrated Ludwig went 8-for-13 from the field in 26 minutes of work.
"We played our most complete game of the year so far, except for our rebounding," Roosevelt head coach Joe Griffin said after the victory. "Their offensive rebounds kept it very competitive most of the game until about five minutes left. Grant Gibson was sensational, not even counting his scoring. His effort and tenacity is second to none and a lot of young players who want to play in college should look at Grant to learn what it takes to be successful.
"Hopefully we can start a winning streak with another very tough team in Siena Heights on Saturday," Griffin said. "We are excited to see all of our alumni back in the house for Alumni Day."
Roosevelt hosts Siena Heights (Mich.) at the Goodman Center on Saturday at 3 p.m. The Lakers will honor alumni as part of Alumni Day festivities throughout the afternoon.
