Metea Valley shocks Wheaton North
A four-game losing streak that began with consecutive setbacks in overtime.
Three days of final exams.
An 8-point deficit after one quarter.
Senior Montrell Oliver and his Metea Valley boys basketball teammates easily could have been discouraged and distracted during Friday's DuPage Valley Conference game at undefeated Wheaton North.
“It's been a rough few days, few weeks,” Oliver said. “We've been trying to get it back on track so at practice we've been pushing each other, trying to get better, and try to get another win — and it showed.”
The Mustangs actually seemed to gain energy as the game progressed. The result was an uplifting 67-50 victory — their first as members of the DVC.
Oliver delivered a personal-high 20 points for the Mustangs (3-5, 1-3), including 8 during a 12-0 run for a 61-44 lead with 3:37 left. Reserves Malik Hall and Matt Helwig had 12 and 8 points, respectively, and Jeremy Hunter and Hall had 9 and 8 rebounds.
“It does a lot for (our confidence),” Oliver said. “We've been practicing a lot more on taking charges, getting after it more defensively. We knew our defense was going to win this game so that's what we worked on.”
Junior Rowan McGowen had 19 points for the Falcons (6-1, 2-1) with four 3-pointers. Reserve Jack Bennett had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Wheaton North led 18-10 after one quarter and 36-33 with 5:15 left in the third quarter. The Falcons opened the fourth quarter by closing to 49-44 on a basket by Luke Anthony but then went scoreless the next 4:34.
“(Our players) think they're better than their record. It was nice to see them perform at the level they did tonight and get the win,” Metea coach Bob Vozza said.
“We saw some great defense out of these guys last summer so we know it's in them. I think it showed in spurts in that second quarter and then the latter half of the third, probably most of the fourth. (This victory is) a testament to those guys and how much they wanted it.”
Several Metea baskets were simply tests of will off second chances created by hustle. The Mustangs led for good after breaking a 38-38 tie with seven straight points late in the third quarter. The Falcons must refocus quickly for Saturday's game at Neuqua Valley. Friday's fourth-quarter scoring drought lasted nine possessions with four turnovers, five missed shots and a missed free throw.
“I think Metea completely outplayed us for the vast majority of that game,” Wheaton North coach Dave Brackmann said.
“We didn't handle their pressure well. We gave up 25 offensive rebounds and had 21 turnovers. It's the first time I really thought this year that we didn't deal with the intensity of the game very well. Credit to them.”
Metea also took advantage of this foul fest to sink 22 of 28 free throws, including 13 of 15 in the second and third quarters. Wheaton North made 15 of 25 free throws.
Hall had an 8-point second quarter. Barely playing in the first half after two quick fouls, Helwig scored his 8 points in the final 3:46 of the third quarter with two treys.
“I always have confidence to shoot the ball and so do my teammates. Whenever I come in, I feel free to shoot,” Helwig said. “We have a lot of guys who can do different roles and step in wherever they're needed.”
Helwig also was the fourth different Metea player who guarded McGowan in its man-to-man defense. Scoreless reserve Maurice Burkley set the standard in the second quarter after McGowan's last 3 came 6:05 before halftime.
“Maurice did an outstanding job,” Vozza said.