MADISON, WISC. - A bevy of three-pointers and some stingy defense was the recipe for the Madison College men's basketball team in a 96-69 win over McHenry County College in a Region 4 matchup to kickstart the 2024-25 season. The WolfPack found the shooting environment inside H. Douglas Redsten Gymnasium to their liking as they sank 13 three-pointers, seven of which came from freshman Carson McCormick. McCormick becomes the sixth player in program history to make that many or more in a single game. The win gives the Pack a 6-3 lead in the all-time series over the Scots.

With the game tied at 14-14 after seven minutes of play, Madison College used McCormick's second made three-pointer in the span of 30 seconds to start an 18-1 run and seize control of the season's first game. Another long-range hit from the 6'1" freshman, followed by consecutive baskets by first year guard George Whaley IV increased the lead to 22 points before a late McHenry County College (0-1) free throw made it 47-26 at the half. 



The second half played much more back-and-forth, especially as the teams traded trips to the free throw line for a combined 31 attempts over the final 20 minutes. The Scots only got as close as an 18-point deficit on two occasions; however, the last of which was followed by a 15-5 surge that culminated with consecutive three-pointers from McCormick and sophomore Cullen Rauls to put the game out of reach with about six minutes left to play.

Rauls, a native of Fall River, Wisconsin, and transfer from Western Technical College, led all scorers with 30 points, to go along with seven rebounds and a team-high five assists. He finished 9 of 18 from the floor and was 4 for 7 beyond the arc, while also hitting 8 of 11 free throws.

McCormick drained seven of his 11 attempts from deep - falling one shy of tying the school record - and tallied 27 points. The Janesville, Wisconsin, native was 10 for 14 overall and had three assists.

Sophomore JP Pleasant registered his fifth career double-double with 11 points and a team-leading 11 rebounds. The 6'5" forward from Beaumont, Texas, was 5 for 8 with a free throw.

Madison College's 13 made three-pointers was their most since making 14 in a game against Rock Valley College on February 18, 2022. The WolfPack was 36 of 75 (48%) for the game and 13 for 29 (44%) beyond the arc. They also finished 11 for 19 (58%) from the stripe. McHenry County finished with shooting percentages of 37%, 23%, and 59%, respectively. The home team's defense contributed to a 17-9 differential in turnovers and a 21-10 lead in points off turnovers.

Up Next:

Madison College (1-0) has a short turnaround as they open a two-game road swing against ranked opponents with a Monday, November 4 date at Kirkwood Community College (1-0). The Eagles are ranked #6 in the NJCAA Division III Preseason Poll. The first-ever meeting between the two program's tips off at 6:00 p.m. in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and can be streamed live here.

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