March 5, 2016

CHICAGO – The Chicago Blues nearly saw a 22-point fourth-quarter lead slip away against the Champaign Swarm, but held on to win 108-99 at Kroc Center Saturday evening in Midwest Professional Basketball Association play.  Chicago raised its record to 6-4, while Champaign fell to 3-8.

The first two quarters were close, with the Swarm leading after the first 26-23 and the Blues taking the lead at half 54-50 on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Ryan Jackson.

The Blues steadily added onto their lead in the third, increasing the spread to 16 before Aaron Weaver completed a three-point play with 3.7 seconds remaining to cut the lead to 83-70

The fourth quarter looked like the Blues were going to win in a runaway, opening up a 99-77 lead with 8:18 to play, on the strength of a Tremell Adams three-pointer and half a dozen blocked shots by Shakir Johnson, Jakeem Hill and Nate Williams over the course of two possessions.

But the Swarm came to life immediately after the Blues’ block party, going on a 22-5 run to cut the lead to five at 104-99 with 1:44 to play.

Champaign, however, would get no closer as Shakir Johnson and Ryan Jackson closed out the game from the free throw line.

Six Blues scored in double figures, led by Ryan Jackson’s 22.  Shakir Johnson finished with four blocked shots, while Nate Williams and Jakeem Hill each swatted three.  Jonathan Mills led the Swarm with 25 points and 19 rebounds.