Willowbrook win streak ends at 5
No wonder Morton's boys basketball team loves playing on the road.
The Mustangs cleared another key hurdle in their quest for a West Suburban Gold title, beating Willowbrook 70-60 in Thursday's matchup in Villa Park.
The Warriors (12-4, 4-2), who entered the game riding a five-game winning streak, hoped to win and pull even with Morton (13-3, 5-0) in the loss column.
Instead, they now find themselves chasing another game after missing a precious opportunity at home.
"It was real frustrating out there," said Willowbrook junior Kyler Market, who scored a game-high 21 points. "We went out there to try and protect our home court and try to get in first place. It's going to be hard, but we have to put up a fight to get back in that position."
Morton had the clear goal of taking Willowbrook leading scorer and rebounder Milton Colbert out of the game with a zone defense. The 6-foot-5 senior wound up with 12 points and 14 rebounds, but 10 of his points came in the fourth quarter while battling bigger, rotating post players.
Market and Chris Smith each knocked down four 3-pointers while trying to break the zone, but Morton's stingy defense held firm. The Mustangs led 47-31 after three quarters before Willowbrook rallied with a 29-point fourth quarter.
"We just plan on winning the whole thing, no matter what," Morton's Oscar Macias said of the conference race. "We like playing on the road better than at home. We like the crowd yelling at us and stuff. The road is actually kind of like our home."
The teams combined for 18 3-pointers against dueling zones. Behind Market's three 3s, the Warriors built their biggest lead of 17-12 early in the second quarter.
Morton reclaimed the lead for good at 23-22 late in the first half on a steal and basket by Macias, who paced the Mustangs with 20 points. Joe Belcaster and Moises Quezada each added 13 points.
The Mustangs built a 62-42 fourth-quarter lead before Willowbrook closed on an 18-8 run in the final 2:40. Smith tallied 12 points for the Warriors, while Jamell Hunter pitched in with 10 points.
"I thought they played real physical, and we didn't respond to it," said Warriors coach Tim Lavorato. "But the conference race isn't over. We've got goals set for us, and they're still attainable."