Danville, IL (3/15/2022) - [First Round of NJCAA DII Men's Basketball National Tournament] The #3 seed Sullivan Generals were able to survive and advance in their first round game against #14 seed Dakota County Technical College (MN); winning 75-71.  The #3 Generals move on to play in the second round on Thursday (3/16) at 6:00pm CT (7:00pm ET); they will face the winner of the #6 Cecil College (MD) -v- #11 Southern Arkansas University Tech (AR) game. 

The Generals struggled offensively putting up 75 points which is their second lowest offensive game of the season and only the third game they haven't scored over 80 points.  In the first half Sullivan was able to get out to an early lead and go into the half up four points, 40-36. In the second half Dakota County Tech and Sullivan went back and forth both ending the half scoring 35 points apiece; in the end some keys stops were able to help Sullivan secure a win, 75-71. 

Sullivan was led by four Generals scoring in double figures.  Jay Alvarez led the way, scoring a game high 25 points on 11-18 shooting from the floor and 2-6 from three; Jay also had 5 steals and 2 assists.  Kareem Welch scored 15 points and led the team in assist (7) and rebounds (9) while grabbing 4 steals.  Jalen Reneau went for 11 points while dishing out 4 assists and picking up 3 steals.  Jarell White also went for 11 points and 2 assists.  Daivel Jackson added in 9 points and 8 rebounds while the rest of the Generals scoring came from S.DeSouza (2) and J.Minto (2).  

Dakota County Technical College was led by Manny Montgomery with 22 points.  Janeir Harris chipped in 13 and Matho Ojullu went for 10 points.  Malik Spearman grabbed 15 rebounds to go along with 9 points.

The #3 Sullivan Generals move on to the second round (of 8 teams) in the NJCAA DII National Championship; they will play Thursday (3/17) at 6:00pm CT (7:00pm ET).  The Generals will play the winner of the #6 and #11 game on Wednesday (3/16); the #6 seed is Cecil College (MD) and the #11 seed is Southern Arkansas University Tech (AR).

All games are streamed on the NJCAA Network: https://www.njcaa.org/network/landing/index

Article by Simon Clement