BLOOMINGTON, IL -- John Carroll (23-6) defeated Grinnell (22-4), 118-86, in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament on Friday night.
The Blue Streaks advance into the second round, which will be played on Saturday, March 7, at 7:40 p.m., in Bloomington, Illinois. John Carroll will face the winner of tonight's first-round matchup between host Illinois Wesleyan (23-4) versus Heidelberg (16-12).
JOHN CARROLL (23-6) 118, GRINNELL (22-4) 86
- The Blue Streaks set the tone early and led from the opening possession, building a 58-35 halftime advantage behind efficient shooting and pace. John Carroll hit 21 field goals in the first half, including 10 three-pointers, while Grinnell struggled to find a rhythm offensively.
- JCU continued to roll after the break, outscoring Grinnell 60-51 in the second half and pushed the margin to as high as 43 points. The Blue Streaks finished the first-round game shooting 54.3 percent from the floor and 48.4 percent from beyond the arc, while also forcing six turnovers and turning those into key transition opportunities.
- Senior forward Kasey Hunt (Sylvania, OH/Sylvania Northview) scored 20 points on 9-of-16 shooting for John Carroll, while sophomore forward Mike Lamirand (Avon Lake, OH/Saint Ignatius) added 22 points with five three-pointers and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Jack Zapolnik (Bay Village, OH/Saint Ignatius) stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, five assists, and four steals, while junior forward Kyle Irwin (Mayfield Heights, OH/Mayfield) contributed 18 points and eight rebounds. Graduate guard Luke Chicone (Mentor, OH/Mentor) added 12 points and dished out 11 assists as the Blue Streaks had seven players score at least nine points.
- For Grinnell, Gabe Garcia led the way with 19 points, including an 11-of-12 effort at the free-throw line.
- John Carroll now holds a 26-20 (.565) record in the national tourney.