The Malcolm X Hawks secured a hard-fought 84-79 victory over Prairie State Pioneers on Tuesday, November 12th, in a thrilling game in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

Collin Woods led the Hawks with an impressive 24 points, shooting 53% from the field while also converting 7 of 10 free throws. Juaquin Dixon provided a key contribution with 17 points, narrowly missing a double-double with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Jaloni Johnson chipped in with 11 points and 6 assists, helping Malcolm X maintain offensive fluidity.

The Hawks managed to edge out the Pioneers despite shooting only 13.8% from beyond the arc (4-29). However, their aggressive play in the paint and at the free-throw line, where they converted 26 of 35 attempts (74.3%), played a crucial role in their victory.

Prairie State’s Antonio Phillips and Wade Sims were a potent one-two punch, combining for 46 of the Pioneers' 79 points. Sims, in particular, shined with 25 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals, while Phillips added 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. However, despite their individual efforts, the Pioneers could not overcome the Hawks' balanced scoring and defensive intensity.

Malcolm X outrebounded Prairie State 39-37, with the Hawks’ Angel Edmonson grabbing 6 boards to complement his 10 points. The game was close throughout, with Malcolm X holding a narrow 40-38 lead at halftime before a similarly tight second half.

The Hawks' defense, led by Dixon and Edmonson, forced 12 turnovers and disrupted Prairie State's offensive rhythm enough to hold off a late surge.