ELMHURST, Ill. – Jake Rhode became Elmhurst University's all-time leading scorer after pumping in 25 points while leading the Bluejays' men's basketball team to a convincing 99-72 win over Augustana College at R.A. Faganel Hall.
 
Elmhurst, ranked 20th in the latest D3hoops.com poll, improved to 18-5 overall and 10-4 in the CCIW while winning their sixth straight contest.
 
Rhode entered the game tied for the Bluejays' all-time record in points scored with 1,914. He wasted little time getting the record, splashing home a turn-around jump shot from 15 feet to account for the Bluejays' first bucket of the game. He finished with 25 points to move his career total to 1,939. After the contest, Rhode was presented with a trophy by Head Coach John Baines, in recognition of his career records in points scored and assists. 
 
While there was little suspense on Rhode overtaking the scoring record, the game was far more suspenseful until the Bluejays took over the final 16 minutes of play. Elmhurst outscored Augustana 45-18 down the stretch on route to the 27-point victory.
 
The Bluejays led by as many as 10 points in the opening half before carrying a six-point lead (50-44) into the locker room at halftime. Augustana (10-13/5-9 CCIW) came out strong in the second half, pulling even with the Bluejays at 54-all after Tyler Knuth hit a 3-pointer with 16 minutes left.

Elmhurst took over quickly, ratting off a 15-0 run over the next three minutes to move in front 69-54. After a Vikings' basket, the Bluejays followed with a 13-0 run to take a commanding 26-point lead with nine minutes left before coasting to the 27-point win.
 
Rhode led Elmhurst in the win, pouring in a game-high 25 points while shooting 9-of-14 from the floor and 4-of-8 from downtown. He added two assists and five steals in the contest. Hunter Merritt came off the bench to score 14, knocking down three 3-pointers in the process. Wesley Hooker added 12 points and six rebounds while Jay Militello scored 11 points. Laon Thomas added nine points while Ocean Johnson finished with seven points, a game-high 12 rebounds and six assists.
 
The Bluejays shot a blistering 56.3 percent (36-of-64) from the floor, including 50 percent (10-of-20) from beyond the arc. Elmhurst outrebounded Augustana 39-34 and outscored the Vikings 46-24 in the paint.
 
Augustana finished the contest shooting 40.6 percent (26-of-64) from the floor, but only 33.3 percent (9-of-27) from downtown. Matt Hawkins led the Vikings with 13 points while Luke Johnson finished with 12 points, five rebounds and six assists. Dan Carr and Matt Hanushewsky each finished with 11 points apiece.
 
Elmhurst has a week off before playing its final regular season home game against Millikin University. The Bluejays host the Big Blue on Wednesday, February 16 at 7:00 p.m.