Hoffman pulls away from Palatine

Alex Bonds' 3-point basket with 1:19 left in the game helped Hoffman Estates pull away from visiting Palatine in their 62-56 win in the Mid-Suburban West on Friday.

Palatine (2-23, 1-9) had just pulled to within 52-49 on a basket by John Millin (11 points) with 2:32 left in the boys basketball game.

Sam Wilks (17 points) hit 2 free throws for a 54-49 lead before the Pirates committed an untimely turnover leading to Bonds' basket.

"That was a make or break shot," said Hoffman coach Luke Yanule. "I'm glad he had the confidence. It was a gutsy play."

Austin Terry led the Hawks (8-14, 2-8) with 17 points and 8 rebounds and connected on 2 more free throws for a 59-49 lead with 1:11 left.

Terry was a key factor in the first half by scoring 12 points as the Hawks led 32-20 at the break. Hoffman trailed 20-19 with 4:37 left in the first half.

"When Terry hit his first shot I knew he would have a good game," added Yanule, who saw his Hawks win their third in the last four games.

"It was senior night and I wanted to pick it up," said Terry. "Their trapping defense caused us some problems. When they made their runs as us we just had to slow it down and relax which we did."

Palatine cut the lead to 35-28 with 4:12 left in the third quarter put a 9-0 spurt by the Hawks gave Hoffman a 44-28 lead.

"We're having problems putting the ball in the basket," said Palatine coach Eric Millstone. "When that happens you have to do other things to make up for that and tonight we just didn't do that. They were able to capitalize on our turnovers."

Roosevelt Smart led Palatine with 12 points and 5 rebounds and Josh Baldus had 11 points.