Jacobs pulls away from McHenry in the end
Jacobs saved its best effort for last.
Outscoring McHenry 12-4 during the final 4 minutes and 8 seconds, the host Golden Eagles were able to post a 59-49 win in Fox Valley Conference boys basketball action in Algonquin Friday night.
"We knew we were going to get McHenry's best shot and I liked the way we got stops down the stretch," said Jacobs coach Jim Roberts. "We got layups down the stretch and did the simple things necessary to win. Our experience really showed. It was a great defensive effort against a very good McHenry team."
When Maki Mohr connected on a driving layup with 4:46 remaining, the Warriors pulled within 2 of the Golden Eagles, 47-45.
Jacobs (16-3, 7-0) seized control of the game with a pivotal 9-0 run courtesy of 6 points by Ajani Rodriguez and a trey from Kam Mack and the Golden Eagles increased their 2-point lead to 11, 56-45, with 1:36 remaining.
"It was a tough hard-fought game and we were able to win because we played strong defense down the stretch," said Rodriguez. "We were patient down the stretch and got easy shots. It is a really good conference win but we have a long way to go."
Ryan Phillips (16 points, 3 treys, 4 assists) Rodriguez (15 points, 6 assists), Mack (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Nik Balkcom (11 points, 3 assists, 8 rebounds) combined for 55 of the Golden Eagles' 59 points.
"Our four senior guards really stepped up on both ends of the floor," said Roberts. "They were outstanding and came through down the stretch and we got easy baskets. Those four seniors have been very consistent all season long. We played with a lot of pride and matched their physical play especially at the end of the game."
Gavin Markgraff paced the Warriors with 14 points while Mohr scored 12 with 6 rebounds.
"It was a good high school Friday night basketball game," said McHenry coach Chris Madson. "When playing Jacobs there is no margin for error and if you make a mistake they will close you out down the stretch. We didn't value the basketball down the stretch and Jacobs' defensive pressure forced us into some untimely turnovers. We had breakdowns down the stretch offensively and defensively and it cost us. I love our effort and we will learn from this."
McHenry, 6-of-10 from the field including 2-of-2 from 3-point range, led Jacobs 16-15 after one quarter.
Mohr drilled a 3 from deep in the left corner to give McHenry a 19-15 lead early in the fourth quarter.
Jacobs took the lead for good at 23-22 on a 3 from Phillips with 3:18 left before intermission.