Downers Grove North beats Glenbard South at the wire
From the beginning one could just sense that Tuesday's Glenbard South at Downers Grove North nonconference boys basketball battle was going to go down to the wire.
And it did. The Raiders (2-6) were within 3 with 12.1 seconds left. But two seconds later, the Trojans (5-3) sank two free throws to ice the 70-65 victory.
Both teams for the most part built offensive momentum despite a total of 44 fouls called and the game stopping on a more than regular basis. Downers North, however, was just a little bit better at it thanks to 22-of-30 free-throw shooting, while Glenbard South made just 8 of 16.
"Right now we are struggling at times for execution. We're learning and getting better. But we need to get over the hump in crucial situations and execute and get what we need," said Raiders coach Wade Hardtke.
After so-so shooting by both teams in the first half, things heated up in the third quarter with Glenbard South hitting 9 of 15 from the field and Downers North making good on 9 of 14. The Trojans led 59-54 at the end of 24 minutes.
The final quarter was pretty much a reflection of the first three. This time it was the Trojans with the lead but unable to pad it, and the Raiders always came back.
Billy Bair, one of four Glenbard South players scoring in double digits with 11, sank a 3-pointer to pull his team to within 64-61 with 1:14 left in the game. Over the remaining time Downers North's Jordon Kedrowski, who led his team with 17 points, sank 4 of 4 free throws to help pull his team up to 68-62 with 17.6 seconds left. Povilas Riauba, the Raiders' top scorer with 17, hit a 3 with 12.1 seconds left to make it 68-65. However, two seconds later Colin Kramper made good on two free throws to make it 70-65 and the remaining clock was eaten.
Glenbard South resumes play Dec. 26 at the Romeoville Christmas Classic.
"We're getting there. We didn't have a whole lot of experience coming into the season. We're getting better every game. I like that we were able to match their intensity tonight. But the free throws got us and a few key possessions," Hardtke said.
As for Downers North, it travels to Glenbard West on Friday night for its final West Suburban Silver game of 2014. Coach Jim Thomas considers it a crucial game as the Trojans try to plant their feet in the conference race.
"A win on the road would be big. Glenbard West shoots very well and they are very well-organized offensively. It's always a barnburner whether it's at their place or ours," he said.