By Eric Stock

BLOOMINGTON - Normal Community took defending Class 2A runner-up University High School down to the final minute before the Pioneers prevailed in the opening night of the Intercity Boys Basketball Tournament at Shirk Center.

Keita Bates-Diop, who recently announced that he was going to sign to play at Ohio State, put in the deciding basket with 55 seconds to go to lift U-high to a 59-54 win.

Junior Malik Wildermuth led the Pioneers with 18, while Bates-Diop added 14 points and six rebounds in the win.

The Ironmen were led by Trevor Seibring, who scored 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Bloomington prevails

The Bloomington Purple Raiders raced to 14-2 first quarter led and cruised to a 73-47 win in its opener over Central Catholic.

Bloomington lost its first 21 games last season.

DeMarquelle Pattmen led BHS with 15 points. Austin Holman paced the Saints with 11 points.

The Intercity Tournament resumes at Illinois Wesleyan on Wednesday. Central Catholic plays Normal Community at 6 p.m. Normal West will take on U-High at 7:30 p.m.

Tonight, the Girls Intercity Tournament wraps up at Normal Community as the host Ironmen play Bloomington at 6 p.m. Normal West battles Central Catholic at 7:30 p.m.

Eric Stock can be reached at eric.stock@cumulus.com.