St. Edward turns tables on Aurora Central

St. Edward is playing better basketball lately, and the Green Wave provided the latest example of it Thursday night at Aurora Central Catholic.

After losing 51-39 to the Chargers in their first Metro Suburban Conference meeting this season, the Green Wave rode 27 points from Maddie Spagnola, clutch 13-of-16 free-throw shooting, and improved rebounding to a 55-49 victory.

It was the fifth win in the last six games for St. Edward (13-9, 5-5).

"We didn't play very well at our own gym," said Spagnola, who also had 8 rebounds and 6 steals. "At that time our team didn't have that great of chemistry. Lately we have been on a very good hot streak. We played so well offensively together. We were patient and we got great looks."

The Green Wave only made 1 field goal in the fourth quarter but it was a big one. Taylor Harazin had just knocked down 2 free throws for the Chargers, giving them a 42-41 lead with 5:07 remaining.

Spagnola got free at the top of the key and drained her fourth 3-pointer of the night. That was the 10th and final lead change of the game as the Green Wave extended the final margin by sinking 11 of their next 12 free throws until missing a pair in the final seconds.

"Everything revolves around her and through her," St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson said. "Her ability to find open people on the court and create and make things happen improves our offensive play overall."

Aurora Central (14-10, 6-4) led for most of the first half. Paige Miller scored 8 of her 11 points in the opening quarter to put the Chargers up 17-12.

The Green Wave rallied for a 28-26 halftime lead on a last-second baseline jumper by Mallory Rejman, who was second to Spagnola with 8 points.

Harazin led the Chargers with 22 points and 18 rebounds.

"I know I have a great team in there," Chargers coach Mark Fitzgerald said. "My team needs to understand they are a great team because they are not believing it right now. I feel very strongly about their potential. I'm frustrated right now, but I'm never giving up on them."