By: Devin Jones
Joliet Junior College men's basketball pulled off an 87–82 comeback win, erasing a deficit that reached as much as 15 points to secure a hard-fought victory.
The Wolves trailed for most of the game but continued to battle throughout. JJC finally took the lead with five minutes remaining in the second half after a spark off the bench from Gabe Patterson. From there, Kareem Parker came up big with crucial baskets down the stretch to help the Wolves complete the comeback.
Parker finished with 19 points and six rebounds, while Jeffery Fleming added 17 points and nine rebounds in a strong all around performance.
After the game, head coach Danny Turner praised his team's effort and depth.
"Kareem Parker is a freshman, but he doesn't play like a freshman. Shout out to Gabe and Josh Dillon. Gabe has been struggling, but he really helped us tonight, and Josh did a great job filling in for Ricky when he got into foul trouble," Turner said.
Parker reflected on the team's mindset following the loss to Kankakee.
"I thought it was a tough game, and coming off the loss to Kankakee, we felt we could be better during the time off and get the win here today," Parker said.
On his development this season, Parker added, "I think now I'm learning the play style the coaches want, and it's starting to come together."
The Joliet Junior College men's basketball team will look to build momentum when they host Bryant & Stratton College on Jan. 20 at 7 p.m.
