Jacobs 66, Hampshire 49
MACHESNEY PARK - It was a mutual love-fest after Jacobs defeated Hampshire, 66-49, in the Harlem Holiday Tournament in Machesney Park. The coaches of the District 300 rivals had nothing but nice things to say about their opponents and about the experience.
The win put the Golden Eagles in the championship game of the 12-team tournament, while the Whip-Purs were awarded third place in the weather-shortened affair.
Maria Tamburrino led all scorers with 19 points. Sam Vojtsek added 17 and Hailey Cnota 16 for Jacobs.
Cassie Dumoulin and Alex Dumoulin each scored 17 points for Hampshire. Chrissy Heine added 11, but the rest of the Hampshire roster combined for just 4 points.
"They couldn't miss tonight," said Cassie Dumoulin about the Golden Eagles, who shot 55 percent for the game. "It's really hard to play against a team when they make a lot of their shots. Then when they did miss, they really cleaned up on the boards."
The Whip-Purs (10-2) never led, but would never go away either. Their full-court pressure rattled the Eagles and fueled an 8-0 fourth-quarter run that madae it 57-45 with 3:15 to play. But Hampshire couldn't sustain the momentum. Jacobs made 7 of 8 free throws down the stretch to pull away.
"Ahead of time, I told them how good Hampshire is," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "I've seen Hampshire play, and they're an excellent basketball team. They are really good. They're really well-coached, and they always seem to do the little things right."
Jacobs' win left both teams with 10-2 records. The Eagles used their height advantage to secure a 33-22 rebounding edge and numerous second-chance points.
"Their strengths are our weaknesses right now," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "They're a team we couldn't outrebound today. We've been living the rebound war against everybody and winning by 12, 14, 15 rebounds.
"But they're the real deal at 10-2. I had more fun with that than with some of the 40-point wins that we've had."
Katy Cook had 10 rebounds to go with 8 points for Jacobs.