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John Carroll University Athletics

home of the Blue Streaks
Luke Frazier vs. Muskingum on 1-27-24 with a season high 34 points
Jose Figueroa
Luke Frazier and the Blue Streaks put on a show for a packed DeCarlo Center.
59
Muskingum MUS 0
89
Winner John Carroll JCU 0
Muskingum MUS
0
59
Final
89
John Carroll JCU
0
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Muskingum MUS 26 33 59
John Carroll JCU 43 46 89

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Kaeleigh Patriski, Senior Staff Writer

Frazier and the Blue Streaks Roll Past Muskies on Alumni Day

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – Saturday marked a festive Alumni Day for John Carroll Men's Basketball.

And did the Blue Streaks put on a show for the assembled alumni and fans in a near sellout at the Tony DeCarlo Varsity Center.

The Blue Streaks beat Muskingum, 89-59, to remain undefeated in Ohio Athletic Conference play at 12-0 and move to 18-1 overall. Luke Frazier was a standout of the afternoon, putting on a great show for the home crowd on his trading card day, scoring a season-high 34 points. 

"It feels great, and it's also a great team win," said Frazier. "That's one we're happy about. We have 6 more conference games til the tournament, so we're trying to go game-by-game to get there."

The Blue Streaks struck first with a layup from Henry Raynor, assisted by Luke Frazier. JCU went on a 11-0 run to start the game, heavily led by Luke Frazier who contributed 9 of the 11 points. Strong defense by Luke Chicone, the OAC's top man in steals, helped to power the run. Will Yontek made his presence known down low, rebounding the ball and scoring second chance points for the home team. 

The Muskies found their stride and scored 14 points in the span of eight minutes after needing three-and-a-half minutes to get on the board. A strong move to the basket by Luke Eller that resulted in a made free throw stopped the scoring run and shifted the momentum back in the home team's favor. Eller also made a big stop at half court while in a full court press that got the fans excited and on their feet. Connor O'Toole rebounded the ball under the Muskingum basket and took it down court for a made layup, giving him his first points of the day. Luke Chicone made a three-point play after making a layup while being fouled and making the subsequent free throw. 

The half ended with a score of 43-26 John Carroll. The Muskies never stopped pushing the tempo and made sure to keep themselves within striking distance. Shane Knepp led the visitors in scoring with 6 of their 26 points. Luke Frazier led the Blue Streaks with 15 points in the first half, and Luke Chicone led the team in assists with three.

At halftime, John Carroll honored four teams celebrating anniversaries of special runs: 1993-94 (OAC Regular Season Champs), 1998-99 (NCAA Elite 8), 2003-04 (OAC Regular Season & Tournament Champions, NCAA Final 4), and 2008-09 (OAC Regular Season & Tournament Champions, NCAA Sweet 16). Hall of Famer Paul Schlimm '56 was also honored at halftime. During a subsequent alumni halftime 3-point contest, Mark Heidorf '99 repped the 1988-99 team well by winning the crown. 

"It means a lot," said Frazier of the alumni back in the building. "John Carroll Basketball has a great tradition, which you can see based on how many people come to see us. It makes us feel great. They helped a lot tonight."

The Muskies got the ball to start the half and capitalized with a three made by Owen Emig. Luke Frazier responded with three points of his own on a lay up and made free throw after being fouled on the shot. Quick turnovers resulted in speedy possession changes and baskets made. Frazier slammed down a dunk igniting the crowd and bench once again, showing why he has his own trading card. Henry Raynor added his mark on the game with a steal and a three-point play of his own. 

The last 10 minutes of regulation were marked by a lot of whistles and fouls called on both sides of the court. The Blue Streaks kept on the full court press resulting in quick points and electric plays. Freshman Aiden Fitzgerald applied pressure to the ball, stealing it and passing to Toppin for a lay up. Then Fitzgerald made a three-pointer, giving the Streaks a 27-point lead. Brandon Rose entered the game and scored off an offensive rebound with 2 minutes remaining. Omar Abuhamdeh drove down the lane, laying the ball in for his first basket of the night. Sean Collins scored his first points of the night quickly after on another layup.

And of course, you can't forget about the Chicone to Frazier alley oop that will likely be one of the plays of the week.  

Thirteen different Blue Streaks scored in the 30-point win, but one far outscored the rest. Luke Frazier ended the game with 34 points in 31 minutes of play. Raynor trailed him with 10 points.

The John Carroll Men's Basketball team will be back in action on Wednesday at home against crosstown rival Baldwin Wallace. Tip-off for the game is at 7 pm. 

"Wednesday will be another fun game, which is what we look for," said Frazier. 
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