Defense lifts Jacobs over Elk Grove

Whatever words of wisdom Jacobs coach Jim Hinkle had for his team at halftime worked. Hinkle's Golden Eagles were inspired, especially on the defensive end of the floor.

Scoring the first 10 points of the second half, Jacobs extended a 25-20 lead en route to a 56-41 win over Elk Grove in a second round game of the Jacobs Holiday Classic Monday night.

"We came out in the second half and put the defensive clamps on them," said Hinkle. "We played great team defense and got easy baskets. We really got after it defensively with our press and the traps. It was a nice showing on defense in the second half."

The Golden Eagles scored all 10 points off 5 Elk Grove turnovers and led 35-20 with 5:55 left in the third quarter. Nick Hofman scored 2 baskets while Mike Peterson, Connor Conzelman, and Jon Kowalski each had buckets as the Golden Eagles seized control of the game.

The Grenadiers (3-7) didn't score in the third quarter until a free throw by Kishan Patel made the score 35-21.

Jacobs (6-2), which outscored Elk Grove 20-5 in the third quarter, held a comfortable 20-point 45-25 lead going into the fourth quarter.

Hofman paced the Golden Eagles with 18 points and 6 rebounds while Peterson scored 10 with 6 assists and 4 steals. Kowalski added 10 points with 5 rebounds.

"I really felt good shooting the ball tonight," said Peterson. "I have struggled early in the season so it was good to shoot well tonight. This was a good win and a good team effort."

The lone negative for Jacobs was the loss of senior point guard Matt Ehrhardt, who absorbed a jammed tooth. Hinkle is hopeful Ehrhardt will play tonight against Mundelein

"Matty is the glue and leader on this team," said Hinkle. "We need him to be successful. We hope we can get him a mouth guard and have him ready to play tonight."

John Lorenz led Elk Grove with 17 points.