Another close call, another win for Naperville C.
Somehow, some way, the Naperville Central girls basketball team just keeps hanging in there.
Despite sporting a 9-0 record heading into Monday night's nonconference matchup against Neuqua Valley, the Redhawks owned just 2 wins of more than 10 points, with both coming in the season's first two games.
Naperville Central made it eight straight single-digit victories Monday night, clipping the Wildcats 43-40 at Neuqua Valley.
The Redhawks (10-0) trailed 34-32 heading into the fourth quarter but forced turnovers on Neuqua Valley's first six possessions to seize a 37-34 advantage.
Jackie Geffinger's putback layup with 0:47 remaining brought the Wildcats within 1 point before a pair of Emma Ondik free throws iced the game.
As a team, the Redhawks felt fortunate to escape with a win despite not playing their best basketball. Naperville Central shot just 30 percent from the floor and made only 1 field goal in the fourth quarter.
"We didn't do that many things well. We didn't play like we could have, and I think we could have had a much better performance," Ondik said. "We did not play to our potential."
The Redhawks took a 23-18 lead to the locker room at halftime before being outscored 16-9 in the third quarter. Naperville Central missed all four of its 3-point attempts in the quarter, and converted just 3 of its 20 attempts from beyond the arc.
"We couldn't hit any of our shots," Ondik said. "They were playing good defense and getting out on our shooters, but when we did get open looks we still weren't hitting them."
Neuqua Valley (1-7) coach Mike Williams cited inexperience as a key factor in the Wildcats' eight fourth-quarter turnovers.
"Just nerves probably," Williams said. "Really the only kids with any big-time experience is (center) Mackenzie (Hughes) and (forward) Bria Williams - but they're not bringing the ball up."
Williams also feels that as the season wears on, losses like Monday's could eventually turn into victories.
"Our biggest thing tonight was being patient, and even then, we still had the game," he said. "With the kind of players we have, until they gain confidence, we're going to take our time, move the ball down, and work and get to our strengths."
With four of his starters returning from last season, Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum knows in-game experience has kept his team on the winning side of close contests.
"The four returning starters are all one year older," Nussbaum said. "At some point we developed the idea of what it takes to win.
"Every time we play, it's going to be a war. Unfortunately, we're just not going to blow anybody out."
Downers Grove North 39, Lyons Township 37: After a Trojans steal Katie Hunzinger hit 2 free throws with 2 seconds left in a West Suburban Silver Conference thriller. Hunzinger scored 12 points to pace host Downers Grove North (7-1, 3-0).
Lisle 53, Manteno 18: Colleen Drennan scored 18 points as the Lions (5-3, 3-0 Interstate Eight Conference) rolled past visiting Manteno.