Crystal Lake South blitzes Jacobs in second half
Jacobs never knew what hit it.
Erasing an 8-point halftime deficit, Crystal Lake South outscored the Golden Eagles 41-22 during the final 16 minutes in posting a 64-53 Fox Valley Conference Valley Division boys basketball win at Gator Alley Friday night.
"I really screamed at them at halftime and challenged some kids," said South coach Dan DeBruycker. "They got every loose ball and rebound in the first half. Jacobs played harder than us. We played harder in the second half and executed on offense and defense. "
Trailing 31-23 at halftime, the Gators (12-6, 2-6) blitzed the Golden Eagles with an 18-4 run to start the second half. Making 6 of their first 8 shots, the Gators made 5 of 6 from 3-point range in turning the 8-point deficit into a 6-point 41-35 advantage with 2:43 left in the game. Gavin Rubin connected on three 3-pointers while Ryan Price and Robbie Lemke each made a shot from beyond the arc as the Gators seized control of the game.
Crystal Lake South, which outscored the Golden Eagles (12-11, 4-2) 25-6 in the third quarter, held a 48-37 lead heading into the final 8 minutes.
South's biggest lead was 16, 59-43, after a layup by Kevin Rogers with 4:33 left in the game.
The Golden Eagles responded with a 7-0 run to get within 9 points of the Gators at 59-50 after a 3-pointer by Nick Hofman with 2:12 left in the game.
Jacobs couldn't get any closer. The Gators scored their final 5 points of the game on free throws, 2 each by Ethan Breitenstein and Lemke.
"We just couldn't stop their momentum in the second half," said Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle. "We called two timeouts and nothing worked. They have had a lot of problems this year, but they played like they are capable of in the second half. They are going to win some games."
Tyler Kretchmer led the Gators with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
"It has been an up and down season," said Kretchmer. "Coach told us we need to use our height to our advantage and hit the glass. We feel we can play like we did in the second half all the time."
Breitenstein added 14, Rubin scored 13 and Rogers had 10.
Rubin scored all of his points in the second half, which included 3 third quarter 3-pointers.
"Coach challenged me and the rest of the team at halftime," said Rubin. "We came out physical and executed like we are capable of."
Hofman led Jacobs with 18 points while Mike Peterson scored 10.