KENOSHA — On Tuesday afternoon, the Carthage College men's basketball team wrapped up the first half of their season with a 100-60 nonconference victory over Benedictine (Ill.).

• Final Score: Carthage 100 - Benedictine (Ill.) 60
• Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin - Tarble Arena
• Records: Carthage 8-4, Benedictine (Ill.) 2-9

• Ryan Johnson opened the game with a layup for the Firebirds. 
• Carthage started strong, jumping to an early 7-0 lead and extending it to 18-10.
• Benedictine went on a 6-0 run with 11:09 to play in the first half to make the score 20-19. 
• Carthage responded with a 14-3 run, leading 39-27 as the home team went into halftime with a 48-39 advantage.
• Benedictine opened the second half scoring with a hook shot. Carthage controlled the second half, going on a 20-4 run to extend their lead to 81-53 with 10:03 left in the game. This surge was highlighted by AJ Johnson, who scored 14 points and made four three-pointers.
• Benedictine was unable to score in the final three minutes of play as Carthage won 100-60. 

• Riley Brooks led the Firebirds in scoring with 22 points and also grabbed five rebounds. AJ Johnson closely followed with 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Ryan Johnson and Chris Schlesinger each contributed 11 points, with Johnson securing eight rebounds. 
• The team's leading rebounder was Griffin Daun, who had a season-best 10 rebounds.

• The Firebirds stay at home, returning to conference action on Saturday, January 3, playing Elmhurst at 4:15 p.m.