BY FRED KRONER
fred@mahometnews.com
The Spartans started strong on Tuesday at Champaign Central, scoring all eight of the first-period points, but suffered a 43-39 loss to the Maroons.
SJ-O held a 31-21 second-half lead before Central (5-5) took control with a 15-0 run. The Maroons’ first lead of the game was at 33-31 late in the third quarter.
Chance Izard led SJ-O with 15 points. Payton Cain and Ty Pence each finished with eight points.
Pence pulled down a team-high five rebounds.
SJ-O (6-2) returns to action on Dec. 26 at the State Farm Classic in an event held at various Bloomington-Normal locations.
