Men's basketball pulls off gritty win over Elgin, 83-71

It was a back and forth game Tuesday at the JJC Event Center as the Joliet Junior College men's basketball team earned a hard-fought victory over Elgin Community College, 83-71.

The Wolves (8-4) fell behind early but battled back in the first half, ultimately holding a one-point advantage at the half. Sophmore Romello Ali led the Wolves, scoring 25 points on 10-of-24 attempts with four three-pointers. 

"My teammates telling me they know who I am, I know who I am -- I got to put up the shots that I know I can make," Ali said about turning a corner in the game.

Freshman Jeffrey Fleming recorded a double-double in the victory, scoring 18 points with 16 rebounds. Sophomores Devon Richardson and Miles Gillespie finished with double-digits scores too, 14 and 13, respectively.

The Wolves fell behind again in the second half, but fought their way to a 20-point advantage at one point. 

"Devon's been a little frustrated with being double-teamed," said Wolves coach Danny Turner. "I thought he was able to kind of calm down and make better reads. And Fleming, boy, is he a man. And kudos to 'Melo, he played well."

The Wolves return to action Thursday at 7 p.m. when they host College of Lake County.