Jacobs sharp at line in posting 20th win

In close games, making free throws in the waning moments is crucial to victory.

Jacobs' seniors Maria Tamburrino and Hailey Cnota made sure the Golden Eagles would secure a Fox Valley Conference Valley Division girls basketball win over Crystal Lake South Friday night.

Cnota made 4-of-4 from the line and Tamburrino 3-of-4 in the final 36 seconds as the Golden Eagles scored the final 7 points of the game in posting a 36-29 win over the Gators.

"We certainly had the right kids at the free throw line at the end of the game," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "Hailey and Maria both want the ball in those situations and they are both very good free throw shooters. South played great defense which he had trouble figuring out at times."

Tamburrino led the Golden Eagles (20-6, 6-1) with 14 points, which included 5-of-6 from the line.

"I want the ball at the end of games," said Tamburrino. "I am confident I can go to the free throw line and make free throws."

Katy Cook added 12 points and 8 rebounds while Cnota scored 8 including the four crucial free throws which helped ice the win for Jacobs.

The Golden Eagles looked to be in good shape after Tamburrino connected on a driving layup with 3:22 left which gave the home team a 29-24 lead.

After Tamburrino's basket, South coach Kyle McCaughn called timeout to regroup his troops.

McCaughn's pep talk certainly motivated the Gators. Coming out of the timeout with an aggressive trapping press, the Gators (13-10, 4-3) scored 5 unanswered points aided by 2 steals in 33 seconds.

Michelle Gaede canned a 15-footer, Jenny Hanrahan made 1-of-2 from the line and Katie Burton connected on a 18-footer to tie the game at 29 with 2:49 remaining.

Those would be the last points the Gators would score.

"Our defensive effort was excellent," said McCaughn. "To hold a high-scoring team like Jacobs to 36 points is a credit to how well we played defense. We made too many critical mistakes offensively and all 19 people on the bench which includes all

the coaches have to take responsibility for the loss. We all could have done things better."

Gaede led the Gators, who were hindered by 23 percent shooting (10-of-42) and 25 turnovers, with 11 points while Burton scored 8 and Hanrahan tallied 7 with 8 boards before fouling out with 1.7 seconds remaining.