North Chicago survives test from Vernon Hills

Three nights after Grant’s boys basketball team nearly upset North Chicago, Vernon Hills nearly did the same Saturday.

The Cougars missed what would have been a game-winning 3-pointer, and host North Chicago escaped with a 72-70 win in North Suburban Prairie Division action.

North Chicago (17-3, 9-0) received 22 points apiece from JaVairius Amos-Mays and Kurt Hall.

Vernon Hills (11-9, 4-5) jumped out to a 10-0 lead, was up 12-10 at the end of one quarter and 32-28 at halftime.

Robby Nardini scored 25 points for the Cougars, while Michael Mariella added 15, including four 3-pointers. Matt Weaver chipped in 11 points.