Gerton's shot lifts Mundelein

With the final seconds ticking off the game clock, Mundelein couldn't get the right play to run.

It didn't matter, however.

Mike Gerton scored the game-winning basket on put-back as the buzzer sounded, giving the Mustangs a stunning, 67-65 win over previously unbeaten Loyola Academy on Saturday night in the Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament.

"I saw the ball in the air, I got it and threw it as fast as I could, just trying to get it somewhere close," said Gerton, who was mobbed by his teammates after his heroics. "I just threw it up and I was hoping it would go in. I've never had something like this happen before. It's a shock for me."

The Mustangs (2-2, 2-2) were tied with the Ramblers (3-1, 3-1) with six seconds left on the clock. After a timeout, Mundelein set up a play. Ben Brust had already scored 32 points, so the junior figured to be getting the ball.

"The play was to get Ben open," said Gerton, who scored 13 points. "Leavon (Head) and I were suppose to set up a screen. Somehow, Leavon got the ball and threw up a shot (a 10-foot jumper while being double-teamed) and the ball came down to me."

The Mustangs hope the victory gives them something to build on.

"This was a big one to win, because we've had a lot of close games and have not been able to win it on a last-second shot," Mundelein coach Dick Knar said. "We've had some really good teams the last couple of years. But this team is in their shadow, because they've never done this. We've (usually) missed the shot and had to go into overtime. Making a big shot like this one gives us a lot of confidence."

Mundelein sophomore Ryan Sawvell added 11 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocked shots.

One of the biggest positives for Mundelein was seeing players besides Brust step up.

"Sooner or later we've got to grow up and accept responsibility," Knar said. "I think this was big and the pressure was good. In the last two games, once we put pressure on people, our defense picked up."

The Mustangs jumped out to a 24-8 lead after the first quarter by shooting 9 of 11 from the field. But Loyola outscored Mundelein 19-5 in the second quarter and trailed 29-27 at halftime.

The Mustangs held a 52-46 edge heading into the final quarter. Again, the Ramblers fought back.

"It was a good game and tough loss at the end," Loyola coach Bryan Tucker said. "I thought we defended it well. I thought (Mundelein) got a lucky bounce (on the rebound) and the ball went in. We just look at it that we shouldn't have put ourselves in that situation. I thought we had opportunities earlier."

The Ramblers were led by Matt Sullivan with 21 points and 12 rebouds. Connor Klusendorf added 19 points and pulled down 10 boards.