MADISON, WISC. - The Madison College men's basketball team built a double-digit lead in the first half against one of the nation's top-ranked teams Saturday, however, Elgin Community College rallied to take a hard-fought 88-80 decision inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium. Freshman Jason Williams nearly posted his third double-double in leading the WolfPack against the Spartans, who are currently ranked #10 in the NJCAA Division III Poll and now own a 6-2 lead in the all-time series.

Leading 19-16 after a back-and-forth first ten minutes of action, Madison College used back-to-back three-pointers from sophomore Earl Lewis to begin a 20-8 run and build a 15-point advantage as the clock went under four minutes remaining in the half. Elgin Community College (7-1) responded with 15-1 surge that ended on a half-court buzzer-beater to close out the half and pull the Spartans within 40-39.



The WolfPack came out of the locker room strong and once again built a double-digit lead when consecutive triples by freshman Allen Robinson ignited a 14-0 run to put the home team ahead 58-45 just six minutes into the half. The Spartans chipped away at that lead over the next ten minutes, eventually taking the lead on a three-pointer of their own with 4:35 to play. A 15-4 burst after that put the 'Pack in a 12-point hole with just over a minute remaining, and Madison College was unable to recover.

Williams, a 6'5" native of Evansville, Indiana, racked up 18 points and eight rebounds, boosting his season averages in those categories to 15.9 points and team-leading 7.4 rebounds. He made 7 of 15 shots and 4 of 5 free throws, and also dished out four assists.



Two others reached ten or more points, with Robinson posting 16 points and four rebounds. The 6'2" shooting guard was 6 for 14 overall, 2 for 5 from long range, and 2 for 3 at the stripe as he extended his streak of games with double-figures to seven straight. Lewis scored all 12 of his points from beyond the arc, going 4 for 6 on the day. It's the third double-digit effort and fifth game with multiple three-pointers for the former Madison East High School athlete. Sophomore Davion Washington finished with a team-leading five assists and added six rebounds, but struggled from the field with three points.

Madison College was aggressive on the offensive glass, securing 21 of the 47 total rebounds on that end. It led to a narrow 13-12 edge in second chance points and helped the 'Pack stay even in points in the paint at 30 points each. Despite Elgin turning the ball over 22 times to Madison College's 18, the Spartans managed a 23-17 lead in points off turnovers. The game featured nine lead changes and two ties. 

Up Next:

Madison College (4-5) is back on the road for a pair of games over the holiday week, starting with a trip to Rochester, Minnesota, on Tuesday, November 26. The two programs have played every year since 2004 in a series that dates back to 1977. The Yellowjackets own a narrow 16-13 advantage, while the WolfPack has won two straight after a 94-62 decision last year in Madison. 

Follow WolfPack men's basketball: Facebook | Twitter