Slam Jam fun for all

By JJ Ossola
IV Leader Associate Editor

    The third annual JUCO SLAM JAM at the United Center drew approximately 200 Illinois Valley Community College students, faculty, and staff on January 7th. Those who participated through the student government association received a ticket to the IVCC against Lincoln College game, a ticket to the Bulls versus the Grizzlies game, a bus ride to and from the game and food and drinks during the ride
    Cory Tommason, faculty advisor of the SGA said, “I think that we had a pretty good turn out for this year’s event and everyone that went seemed to enjoy it. We keep hearing positive comments about the entire day.”
    The men’s basketball team faced off against one of Division II’s top-ranked teams, Lincoln College, who is currently ranked No. 3 according to NJCAA polls.
    The game was scoreless for the first few minutes before novelty of playing in the United Center wore off for the Lynx and the Eagles, and the game started in earnest. The Lynx pulled ahead early and the roster-depleted Eagles struggled to keep pace with the hot handed Lynx.
    In the second half the Eagles started to rally but never overtook their opponents.
    After the game, the United Center emptied out to allow the Bulls and the Luv-a-Bulls a few hours for closed practice.
    Ticket holders were allowed to return at 6 p.m. to watch the Bulls and Grizzlies have their shoot around.
Chicago Bulls players Malik Allen, Chris Duhon, and Ben Gordon signed autographs before heading to the locker room.
    Tomasson said that although they started advertising the event early this year, they did not sell as many tickets they had hoped to.
    “This was mostly due to an increase in the price of Bulls tickets in general,” he said.