Basketball Recap: Illini Central Comes Up Short

Illini Central was the 64-49 winner over Delavan when they last played one another back in November of 2024, but their luck changed this time around. The Illini Central Cougars lost 58-32 to the Delavan Panthers on Saturday. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss the Cougars have suffered against the Panthers since February 4, 2020.

Leading Delavan to victory were Kelton Nafzinger and Bryson Horning. Nafzinger dropped a double-double on 16 points and ten boards, while Horning went 5 of 10 on his way to 12 points and eight assists. Those eight assists gave Horning a new career-high. Grady Burrell was another key player, going 5 for 10 en route to 10 points.

Illini Central has been struggling recently as they've lost three of their last four matches, which put a noticeable dent in their 13-9 record this season. As for Delavan, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 9-15.

Illini Central will be playing in front of their home fans against Maroa-Forsyth at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Illini Central is facing Maroa-Forsyth at the right time seeing as Maroa-Forsyth is stuck on a four-game losing streak. As for Delavan, they will venture away from home to face off against Brimfield at 5:30 p.m. on Friday.