Boys basketball: Defense carries Larkin to victory against West Aurora in UEC play

Stifling defense and just enough offense.

Those ingredients produced a 51-43 win for Larkin over West Aurora in Upstate Eight Conference play in Elgin on Thursday night.

“We have been hanging our hat on defense since the beginning of the season,” said Larkin coach Deryn Carter. “Honestly, when we play good defense we win.”

West Aurora only made 16 of 50 shots from the field for 32% and committed 18 turnovers.

“They are a very talented team and we made them take tough shots,” Carter said. “They are short-handed, but this is a good win in December for us.”

David McFadden and Max Irvin paced the Royals with 13 points each.

“We played very good defense,” said McFadden. We played with energy and enthusiasm and were able to contain their bigs and the baseline.”

Irvin scores 13 points and grabbed 9 rebounds with 3 assists.

“This is a great win and we were patient on offense and got good shots,” Irvin said. “We made them take bad shots.”

Larkin broke a 15-15 tie after one quarter by outscoring the Blackhawks (2-6, 1-2) 12-6 in the second quarter and led 27-21 after 16 minutes.

The Royals (2-3, 1-1) connected on 6-of-10 shooting from the floor in the second quarter. McFadden and Jahvion Sowers scored 4 points each in the quarter.

West Aurora tied the game at 39 on a 3-pointer from Jaden Matthews with 7:11 left in the game but couldn't get any closer.

A 3-pointer by Justin Simmons gave the Royals a 48-43 lead with 36 seconds remaining.

West Aurora, which was playing without starters Antonio Higgins and Terrence Smith, was led by Travis Brown with 12 points. Abe Martinez added 9 for the Blackhawks.

“They speeded us up and we didn't handle their pressure very well,” said West Aurora coach Mike Fowler. “We had too many wasted possessions.”