Bibbs' free throws hand win to West Chicago

West Chicago junior Tai Bibbs couldn't buy any kind of basket against Glenbard South Tuesday.

He had plenty of company from both sides.

Defense ruled the court, but the Wildcats and Bibbs persevered. His two free throws with 1:11 left proved to be the final points in their 33-31 nonconference home victory.

Bibbs, who had 5 points on a combined 12 shots and 9 free throws, had just missed a pair at 31-31 with 3:54 left.

"I knew my teammates had the confidence in me. I was just trying to get confidence in myself," Bibbs said.

"That first one fell and the next one, knowing that they had my back and coach (Bill Recchia) had my back, I just felt like it was good. I'm happy I was in the position to be able to hit those at the end."

The Wildcats (16-4) and Raiders (12-6) both are enjoying solid seasons but had season-low scoring totals. This matchup pitted the Wildcats' 2-3 zone defense and 1-2-2 press against the taller Raiders' man-to-man efforts.

Most of the scoring came from Glenbard South senior Billy Bair's 18 points with a three and West Chicago senior Mikey Bibbs' 15 points with his team's three 3s.

"Both teams, I feel, played real aggressive defense," Tai Bibbs said. "For me, definitely, not my best game. It was a good learning experience for all of us. We hope to play better the next game, but at the end of day, a win's a win so I'm happy."

West Chicago was 10-for-38 shooting. The Raiders were 12 for 41 with two 3s.

"They were making us settle for shots that we don't want to settle for. You have to give credit to the defense when that's happening," Recchia asid. "Hats off to them. They did a great job. It was a battle, start to finish."

Even the final seconds weren't easy. After the Raiders missed a game-tying shot, the Wildcats got the rebound with seven seconds left but then turned it over with 5.3 seconds to go. The Raiders missed a long 3-pointer, and time expired during the scramble for the rebound.

All kinds of scoring were tough. The Wildcats made a season-low 10 of 23 of free throws, including 5 of 11 in the fourth quarter. Glenbard South was 5 for 12 with Bair 5 for 8.

"We shoot over 70 percent for the year. If we shoot better free throws, it's not as tight there at the end for us," Recchia said.

The Raiders appeared to break through at the outset of the fourth quarter. Four points from Billy Bair and a basket by Charlie Bair after breaking the press opened a 29-24 lead with 7:04 left - the biggest lead by either team the entire game. After a putback by Billy Bair for a 31-29 lead with 5:12 left, however, the Raiders did not score the rest of the way and saw two starters foul out.

"I think we just have to work the ball around better," Billy Bair said. "I think that was probably one of the best defenses we've played. They ran a really good zone. They packed it in. It was hard to get shots in the paint. I think that's what won them the game."

Senior reserve Alec Dolan initiated the Wildcats' comeback with all 5 of his points and 5 rebounds in the fourth quarter. His free throw and back-to-back baskets off rebounds tied the game at 29.

"He's contributed quite a bit this year and he does bring that spark for us. I'm not surprised by what he did," Recchia said.