GODFREY — Lewis and Clark Community College men’s basketball coach Doug Stotler was anxious to see how a nearly three-week layoff affected his Trailblazers in a Thursday night matchup with rival St. Louis Community College.

After a 73-62 L&C victory at the River Bend Arena, Stotler had his answer:

“The layoff affected us,” he said, “but I think it affected St. Louis a little bit more.”

The Trailblazers pulled away late in the second half after leading by just a point, 33-32, at halftime. The victory, which came in the team’s first action since a Dec. 14 upset of then-No. 14-ranked Olney Central College, leaves the Trailblazers at 8-3 as they prepare to resume District 16 action on Jan. 8 at home against Southeastern Illinois College.

L&C is 3-2 against district competition, tied with Olney Central College, which is 11-2 overall, and Shawnee, which is 3-2 and 9-4. The Trailblazers have victories over both OCC and Shawnee. Vincennes is 5-0 in the district and 13-1 overall, followed by John A. Logan College at 10-4 and 5-1 and Lincoln Trail at 11-1 and 4-1.

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