CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Parkland College Men's Basketball (8-5) used a strong second half to defeat Rend Lake College (3-3) by the final score of 88-68.
 
The Cobras got off to a strong start, taking a 13-5 lead after five minutes of play. The visiting Warriors then made a 5-11 run to pull within 2 points, and the score remained tight for the remainder of the half. With 1:40 on the clock, Rend Lake took a brief lead, 33-35, but by the halftime buzzer, Parkland was back out front, 37-36.
 
After the break, the game remained tight, with each team holding a small lead, but neither able to immediately pull away. Midway through the half, the Cobras were up 59-52, and the home team was finally able to build a double-digit lead, 62-52, with nine minutes remaining. The margin grew steadily from that point on, as Parkland outscored Rend Lake, 26-16, to end the game.
 
Parkland enjoyed a night of very balanced scoring. Josh Rivers (16 points, 3 rebounds) and Kelvin Swims (12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals) led a group of 6 Cobras who scored in double digits.
 
Swims, Deonte Douglas (10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists) and Kevin Bishop II (10 points, 5 rebounds) helped the Cobras edge the Warriors on the boards, 29-27.
 
The quartet of Swims, Kamari Kenemore (10 points, 5 assists), Douglas, and Sean Ealy (10 points, 2 assists) had multiple assists.
 
Up next, the Cobras travel to Danville, Ill., for a conference game against Danville Area CC on Thursday, March 11. Tip-off is scheduled at 7:00 pm.