CINCINNATI - Cedrick Banks had 20 points and 10 rebounds Monday night, steadying Illinois-Chicago to a 75-64 victory over Mercer in the consolation game of the Black Coaches Association Classic.<br>
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Illinois-Chicago (2-1) blew a 10-point lead in the second half before rallying behind its pressure defense and balanced scoring attack. Banks led the way despite an off-night, going 7-of-23 from the field.<br>
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Joe Scott added 15 points, Aaron Carr had 12 and Armond Williams had 10 for Illinois-Chicago.<br>
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Mercer (1-2) overcame a 10-point halftime deficit behind Scott Emerson, who scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Jay January added 17 points.<br>
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Emerson, a 6-foot-9 forward voted the Atlantic Sun Conference's top player in the preseason, was held to seven points in the first half. The score was tied at 27 before Illinois-Chicago went on a closing 10-point run capped by Rickey Dominguez's 3-pointer just before the buzzer.<br>
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Emerson hit a 3-pointer that completed a 15-point run and put Mercer ahead 51-47 midway through the second half. It stayed close until Martell Bailey made a bank shot and a free throw that capped a seven-point spurt and put Illinois-Chicago up 65-57 with 5:42 left.<br>
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Mercer never got closer than five points the rest of the way, missing rushed shots down the stretch as it fell farther behind.<br>
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The eight-team tournament concluded Monday on Xavier's home court.
