Central Basketball Association

ILLINOIS 98, BALTIMORE 97: (Danville, Ill.) - In a contest between the two expansion teams in the league, the fans certainly got their money's worth in Danville, as Illinois and Baltimore went back and forth in a thrilling contest featuring 14 lead changes and ties.

The visitors from Maryland, who were making their season debut, got off to a quick start, leading by as many as nine points in the opening period.

But Illinois jumped out in the second quarter scoring seven consecutive points to start the frame, ultimately going on a 40-24 run, appearing to have seized control of the game towards the end of the third quarter.

Baltimore; however, came firing back with a 30-18 run of their own, regaining their first lead since the first quarter, 81-78, with eight minutes left in the final period.

A couple minutes later, though, Illinois, went on a mini run of their own, to take the lead 90-85 with under four minutes to play.

And just when the momentum seemed to be with the hosts, Baltimore made one final push, going on a 12-5 run to regain the lead back, 97-95, with just over a minute remaining.

But that was it for the Shuckers, as the Coal Miners tied the game on the ensuing possession, and then subsequently hit the game-winning free throw with thirty seconds remaining, to squeak out a 98-97 victory at home.

Illinois (1-1), who earned their first ever league win, was led by Kashif Watson with 21 points, and Ayron Worthington with 18 points, while Baltimore (0-1) was led by Damarius Cruz with a game-high 33 points, of which 27 points came from beyond the arc, and Jermaine Bolden with 16 points.

Illinois travels 90 minutes eastward tomorrow night for their first road game of the season as they face off against Indianapolis, while Baltimore finishes the second leg of their road trip with a contest versus the defending champions, Fort Wayne, tomorrow night as well.