Strong start, solid defense keys Conant past Hoffman

Conant used a 12-0 run to start the game and played strong defense down the stretch to top visiting Hoffman Estates 44-37 in a Mid-Suburban League West Division boys basketball game Saturday.

The Cougars own a four-game winning streak.

"We watched the film of the last time we played them," said Conant guard Christian Sotos, who scored 19 points and had 4 rebounds of that 42-41 loss. "We came out with a chip on our shoulder. We were able to make the run at the start of the game."

Sotos scored the first 5 points for the Cougars (11-6, 3-3) and they never trailed.

The Hawks (9-8, 1-5) fell behind 26-11 at halftime mostly because of 13 first-half turnovers.

"Mentally we didn't show up for the first half," said Hoffman coach Bill Wando. "We got a good effort in the second half to get us back in the game."

Colin Conway scored 6 of his 9 points in the third quarter to help pull the Hawks within 33-24 to end the third quarter.

The Hawks closed to 35-32 with 4:25 left, but Sotos fired in a short jumper to extend the lead back to 5 points. A basket by Lance Vesper narrowed the lead to 37-34 with 1:34 left.

Sotos hit 2 free throws moments later, and Andrew Spangler stole the ball and scored with a minute remaining for a 41-34 lead. Sotos hit 3 more free throws before a final basket by the Hawks' Matt Pahl.

"This was a big win for the seniors," said Cougars coach Tom McCormack. "Unless we play them in the state playoffs we won't play them again. If you don't give up more than 40 points, you're not going to lose very often."