Mundelein hangs on, eliminates Highland Park

Mundelein used a third-quarter burst to take the lead for good, then had to hang on for dear life against Highland Park to advance in the Class 4A boys basketball regional at Hoffman Estates on Monday night.

The Mustangs survived 56-53 and next face the No 2 seed in Waukegan on Tuesday night at Hoffman Estates.

Kevin Barber led the way for the now 12-17 Mustangs with 22 points, 5 assists, and 5 steals.

"I knew this could have been my last game," said Barber. "I'm confident where I wanted the ball in my hands."

Barber hit 4 free throws down the stretch to hold off a furious rally by the Giants, who finished the season 6-20.

"I told Kevin that he had to have the ball in his hands," said Mundelein coach Richard Knar. "I knew he could hit the free throws."

Mundelein had started the contest leading 10-1 but Highland Park rallied to take a 29-27 lead on Eric Manpearl's steal and score with one second left in the half.

Marin Kukoc (14 pts, 8 reb) gave the Giants their last lead at 31-29 with 7:17 left in the third quarter.

Ryan Swavell tied the game moments later before Aaron Metzger (12 points, 5 rebounds) gave the Mustangs the lead for good at 34-31 with 5:03 left in the quarter.

Barber then connected for two straight baskets and a 38-31 lead. The Mustangs finished the quarter ahead 46-38.

"We had to control the tempo in the second half, " said Barber. " Coach told us at halftime that we had to keep moving."

Highland Park rallied on baskets by Kukoc and Brad Schwartz, who scored 14 points and had 5 assists to pull within 54-51 with 44 seconds left.

A Mundelein turnover gave the Schwartz a chance to tie the game with :07 left but his 3-point try bounced off the rim and into Metzger's hands. Metzger then tipped the ball to Barber, who was fouled and made 2 final free throws.

" We had a good look on that shot," said Highland Park coach Paul Harris, "but it didn't go in. It was a courageous shot by Brad. The shot gets magnified because it was late in the game, but we let some things get away earlier in the quarter. We were outscored 19-9 in the third quarter and then it was an uphill battle."