Downers Grove North beats Glenbard West in third OT
With a big Pack the Place crowd on hand Saturday night, the Glenbard West boys basketball team capped off the day with plenty of excitement and even plenty of extra basketball for the fans.
What the Hilltoppers could not do, however, was pull out a victory.
The Hilltoppers battled for four quarters and then three overtimes before eventually falling to Downers Grove North 66-58. The Trojans, who played one extra session in a Friday overtime defeat of Lyons Township, had three starters foul out in Saturday's marathon but still came out ahead.
"I'm proud of our efforts, but just disappointed we didn't finish the game," Hilltoppers coach Tim Hoder said. "I'm disappointed for the kids. They played very hard. We came back after not a great night last night. I thought they rebounded very well."
Glenbard West (9-11, 1-7) lost to York on Friday and then found itself in a 13-4 hole after one quarter against the Trojans, who started fast as Bryan Jakobsze and Anthony Castelvecchi each hit 3-pointers in the opening quarter.
Downers Grove North then led 20-13 at the half and 32-27 after three quarters before the Hilltoppers rallied and drew even at 40-40 after regulation. The game stay tied - at 47 after one overtime and at 51 after two extra periods - before the visitors outscored Glenbard West 15-7 in the third overtime even after Jakobsze and Castelvecchi had fouled out in the second overtime and another starter fouled out in the third overtime.
"It was always exciting," Trojans coach Jim Thomas said of the thriller. "We weren't sure how it was going to be when we left because our bus was an hour late and we were excited to get over here for their big event. It was a nice atmosphere here today and then three overtimes. So everyone got the price of admission, for sure."
Both teams had numerous players step up. Kevin Nelson didn't score in the first half but then connected on three big 3s to help the Hilltoppers battle back. He finished with 11 points.
Evan Taylor blocked 3 shots and paced Glenbard West with 12 points, 8 of which came after the first half.
For the Trojans, Jakobsze had 18 points before picking up his fifth foul with 2:33 left in the second overtime. He was quick to credit his teammates for stepping up and pulling out the win.
"It's definitely a fantastic team win. Guys stepped up and made some big plays," the senior forward said. "We have guys who could play at other schools. We have a lot of talent on our team and they all know that. They saw the opportunity and just went right at it. We've got guys who are hungry to get in."
Four players scored in double figures for the Trojans, including Eddie Boston, who had 10 points off the bench.
"One thing I'd like to point out is we had three starters on the bench (in the third OT) and we had kids who don't necessarily play a role in our rotation and they took a commanding 8-point lead … and, you know, finished it off," Thomas said. "They did it with all the gritty plays, the loose balls and charges and finishing off possessions with rebounds."