CL South nips Jacobs in OT

For four quarters, the Crystal Lake South defense was amazing.

The Gators held Jacobs to 15 baskets in 60 attempts for 25 percent. The Golden Eagles were 4-of-25 from the floor in the first half for 16 percent.

Incredibly, the South defense was even better in overtime.

Holding Jacobs without a basket and to just 1 free throw during the 4-minute extra session, the Gators outscored Jacobs 6-1 in OT in posting a 41-36 win over the Golden Eagles in Cary-Grove Class 4A regional semifinal action in Cary Tuesday night.

"Our defense and rebounding were excellent all night," said Crystal Lake South coach Dan DeBruycker. "We really hit the glass and forced some turnovers in the overtime."

With the Gators leading 37-36 with 2:22 left in the extra session, South scored the final 4 points in overtime on free throws. Nick Geske, who led South with 15 points, made 3-of-4 from the line in the last minute to seal the win.

Jacobs was 0-of-6 from the field and committed 4 turnovers in the extra session. For the game, the Golden Eagles were 16-of-66 for 22 percent and committed 24 turnovers.

"We just committed way too many unforced turnovers," said Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle. "We just couldn't make shots and we got good shots. That is a microcosm of the season. We have had four overtime games and four overtime losses. We have lost a lot of close games."

Bobby Mladenovic paced Jacobs (7-22) with 17 points including 3 3-pointers.

"Bobby played very well and kept us in the game, said Hinkle."He made some huge shots. He was the only one making shots."

Alex Glover added 9 for the Golden Eagles.

Crystal Lake South played without junior center Max Meitzler, who missed the game with an ankle injury. He will be unavailable for the Gators in Friday's title game against McHenry.