Simeon Beats Whitney Young 44-41
Category: Featured News Written by Hoops 247
Chicago Simeon defeated Chicago Whitney Young on Saturday night 44-41 at Chicago State University in a thrilling contest between nationally-ranked teams televised on ESPNU.
Simeon led by as many as 13 points in the first half and took a 23-14 lead into to halftime ahead of L.J. Peak erupting for 14 points in the third quarter as Whitney Young stormed back into the contest.
Whitney Young outscored Simeon 18-9 in the quarter to tie the game at 32-32 heading into the fourth quarter.
Simeon appeared to have control again late up 42-36 ahead of Ousmar Madison knocking down a triple and another basket by Peak cutting the lead to 42-41 with under a minute to play.
Jaylon Tate (Illinois) then split a pair of defenders for a layup to give Simeon their final 44-41 margin as they denied a pair of three-point attempts by Whitney Young to close out the win.
Tate led Illinois with 12 points. He was backed up by a superb effort from fellow Illini recruit Kendrick Nunn who put on a show en route to scoring 10 points on 4-7 shooting. Jabari Parker added 7 points. Kendall Pollard and Russell Woods were also major factors.
Peak finished with 20 points to lead Whitney Young who also got 8 points each from Jahlil Okafor and Paul White.
Simeon and Whitney Young now both have identical 18-2 records. They can potentially meet again next month in the City Playoffs as well as a potential March SuperSectional contest.