By Alan Liang
Gargoyle staff reporter
Posted Sunday, Dec. 10, 2006, The OG, sports

URBANA — Junior Mike Renner scored more than 20 points for the third time in six games, but that wasn't enough as the Fisher Bunnies defeated Uni 53-39 Saturday night at Kenney Gym.

The loss, Uni's second straight, leaves the Illineks with a 3-4 record as they head into the final week of play before winter break. St. Thomas More defeated Uni 54-32 Tuesday.

Against Fisher, Renner led the Illineks with 21 points, raising his average to 18.7 points per game. Renner missed the season opener while recovering from an injury, but since then he's been Uni's high scorer in every game. Junior Austin Rundus added 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

Senior Michael Belmont began the scoring with a quick basket in the first 10 seconds. But points were hard to come by for the Illineks the rest of the half, despite the team's intensity. The first quarter ended with the Bunnies ahead 12-7.

Sophomore Alan Kessler started the second quarter by hitting a free throw, narrowing Fisher's lead to 12-8. However, the Illineks were unable to score again until 2:48 left in the half, when Renner nailed a 3-pointer to make the score 21-11. The first half ended with Fisher on top 23-13.

The teams traded baskets for most of the third quarter as the Bunnies extended their advantage to 34-23. Heading into the final period the Illineks tried to up the intensity, but Fisher added three more points to its lead to win by 14.

The Illineks will face East Central Illinois Conference foe Buckley Christ Lutheran in an away game 7:30 p.m. Tuesday. Playing without Renner, Uni defeated BCL 50-44 in the first game of the season Nov. 20.

VARSITY RECORD: 3-4 overall (2-4 against varsity competition)
(Games at Kenney Gym are in bold)

Season Preview: A new era begins

Nov. 20: Buckley Christ Lutheran (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), W 50-44
— leading scorer: Michael Belmont, 12 pts
— story: Uni wins season opener over Buckley Christ Lutheran

Nov. 21: Mahomet-Seymour JV (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), W 58-53
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 18 pts
— story: Illineks defeat Mahomet-Seymour JV in Turkey Tourney

Nov. 24: Bement (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney), L 54-46 (OT)
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 13 pts
— story: Illineks fall in overtime

Nov. 25: Martinsville (Uni/Atwood-Hammond Central Illinois Turkey Tourney, at A-H), L 51-48
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 24 pts
— story: Illineks go down to the wire again

Dec. 1: Shiloh, W 55-46
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 29 pts
— story: Illineks get back on winning track, defeat Shiloh

Dec. 5: at St. Thomas More, L 54-32
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 7 pts
— story: Illineks suffer tough road loss to crosstown rival

Dec. 9: Fisher, L 53-39
— leading scorer: Mike Renner, 21 pts
— story: see above