Vernon Hills 60, Palatine 59 (OT)

When it comes to overtime basketball games, Palatine's boys seemed to have the hang of it, coming off a pair of victories that took extra time.

But visiting Vernon Hills ended a 3-game losing streak by squeaking out a 60-59 victory Tuesday, squelching the Pirates' bid for a season-best third straight win.

Palatine's John Castellano (22 points) sent the game into overtime when he sank 1 of his six 3-point baskets with 13.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Chris Morgan's jumper from the foul line rattled out as time expired.

In the overtime, freshman DaVaris Daniels (22 points) scored 6 of Vernon Hills' 10 points, and Kenny Rideout put the Cougars ahead to stay 58-56, scoring off a lob from Morgan on an inbound play with 32.1 seconds left.

After Monroe Brooks (10 points) missed the first of a 1-and-1, the Pirates fouled three times before finally sending Daniels to the line for the free throws that iced the game at 60-56 with 6.5 seconds left.

Castellano hit his final 3 with 1.1 seconds left.

The Cougars led 44-37 after three quarters, thanks to 3-of-4 shooting by Rideout (21 points) and a renewed sense of urgency on the floor.

"Coach (Matt McCarty) told us the whole week how Palatine likes to pick up the pressure in the third quarter, and he said we have to match it," Rideout said. "And we did."

"We talked about matching their intensity after halftime," McCarty said.

Despite the defensive pressure, Vernon Hills was able to get Rideout and Daniels free along the baseline for easy baskets.

"We were aggressive," Castellano said. "But there were a lot of back doors."

"They made some back-door cuts on us, and we weren't in position to cover," said Palatine coach Ed Molitor. "They came in with a great game plan and executed it well."

The Cougars (11-12) coped well with Palatine's ball pressure, despite the absence of starting point guard Riaz Hoveydai, who was ill and didn't suit up for the game. His replacement, Jeff Epner, impressed McCarty.

"Turnovers had really been a thorn in our side," McCarty said. "Jeff came off the bench and did was seniors should do. I thought he was our MVP of the game."

Palatine (9-14) played without Josh Rustman, who turned an ankle in practice.