Second-half turnovers hurt Hoffman Estates

Hoffman Estates coach Bill Wandro didn't have to recollect very hard to point out two key factors from Tuesday night's 58-52 quarterfinal loss to Rockford Auburn at the 35th Pepsi/Daily Herald Elgin Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament.

"To start the second half," said Wandro. "We started out with 6 turnovers. That was a big part. Some of our fundamentals broke down during that span."

Hoffman (6-4) trailed 28-27 following a basket by Hoffman's John Bialek (13 points), but Auburn went on a 8-0 run, converting 2 turnovers into baskets for a 36-27 lead.

A 4-point play, and then 2 free throws by leading scorer Kevin Tiongson pulled the Hawks within 38-33 to close the quarter.

The second key factor occured after the Hawks trailed 42-36 after 2 free throws from Jimmy Fabbrini with 5:04 left.

Hoffman then forced a turnover. Auburn called timeout, but the Hawks could not get the ball inbounds and gave back the ball.

Auburn went on a 9-2 run on 3-point baskets by Fred VanFleet (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Anthony Strickland (14 points), who also added a 3-point play in the run for a 51-40 lead.

"We had to call the timeout at that point to keep things under control," said Auburn coach Bryan Ott. "Hoffman Estates plays very disciplined and they have some shooters. We were able to come up with some defensive stands when we had to."

The Knights hit 7 of 9 free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

"We had some good efforts from some players and we made a couple of good comebacks," said Wandro. "But we can't keep depending on Kevin to come up with the scoring. Sometimes we don't have guys looking to score.

"It puts pressure on the others. We were in position to do more but mistakes hurt us."

Lance Vesper finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Hawks, who will play Larkin at 5 p.m. today. Auburn plays Glenbard East in the 8 p.m. semifinal.