Game 3 - 6pm

In the third game of the NCJAA Division III National Tournament, Joliet Junior College was able to ease by Springfield Technical Community College 78-61. Controlling the boards while playing aggressive physical defense, Joliet jumped out to an early 19-31 lead in the first half. The Joliet Rams were able to hit most of their shots from beyond the arc, hitting six three-pointers in the first half. Before ending the half, down by 16, Springfield Guard Michael Booker hit a three-point shot from well beyond the arc just as the buzzer sounded. The half ended with Joliet up 44-28.

Joliet came out strong in the second half continuing to dominate the boards and got easy put backs and fast break lay ups. They were able to push their lead to 20, and never looked back. From then on, both teams battled back and forth, but Springfield was unable to close in on the lead. Holding on to the lead that was built from the beginning of the game, Joliet emerged victorious 78-61. Leading scorers for the game were Joliet Junior College's Adam Short and Ryan Owens with 18 points a piece, followed by Springfield Technical Community College's Michael Booker with 15 points.