Kirkwood scores easy victory, advances to face Triton

DANVILLE, Ill. - Brennan Cougill recorded a double-double of 16 rebounds and 15 points, Preston Brunz made five 3-pointers, and Kirkwood defeated Highland Community College, 72-59, Tuesday in the opening round of the NJCAA Division II men's basketball tournament.

Brunz scored 18 points to top the Eagles in the scoring column. Michael Weber added 10 points for Kirkwood, which plays Triton College tonight at 8.

Highland led 21-16 after a 7-0 run midway through the first half. Kirkwood took the lead at halftime, 33-25, sparked by a couple of late 3-pointers from Louis Cox.

The Eagles took control early in the second half, rolling to a 40-27 lead in the first few minutes. Highland got back to within six points, but Kirkwood kept the upper hand with Cougill dominating the inside and Brunz hitting timely 3-pointers.