Stevenson stops Buffalo Grove in triple OT

The Stevenson boys basketball team is moving on to a regional final Friday against No. 1 Lake Forest.

And the Patriots know it could just as easily be Buffalo Grove advancing.

Stevenson and Buffalo Grove were so even that three overtimes were required before the Patriots emerged with a 55-48 victory.

A fraction of a second was what it came down to at the end of the second overtime.

With time winding down, Buffalo Grove's James Hurley penetrated into the lane and dished to senior Dan Wichmann under the basket. Wichmann made a layup but the officials immediately ruled time had expired and waved off the basket.

"I saw the season flash in my head," was how Stevenson's Jeff Arenson described the bang-bang play.

"I had half a heart attack, then complete elation," Stevenson senior Henry Wood said.

For Buffalo Grove, it was a crushing turn of events.

"I've never felt we had the carpet pulled out from us like that before," Buffalo Grove coach Ryan O'Connor said. "We had the last possession in regulation and in (the two overtimes) and you have to feel really good about your chances."

After allowing No. 8 Buffalo Grove to score the initial basket in the first two overtimes, Stevenson's Nate Johnson came through with the opening deuce. Playing from behind, Buffalo Grove was forced to foul and the Patriots made just enough free throws to expand their lead.

For the game, No. 9 Stevenson was 25 of 38 from the line. Buffalo Grove, who had three players foul out, made 14 of 20 free throws. Arenson (13 points) was a perfect 7 of 7 from the line. Johnson struggled at the line (6 of 15) but had a team-high 14 points and was all over the glass (10 rebounds).

Buffalo Grove junior Kevin Mulligan had 12 points and Hurley buried a couple of key 3-pointers.

For the most part, though, defense rule the day. It was 36-36 at the end of regulation and just 43-43 going into the third overtime.

"We did a great job of pressuring the ball," O'Connor said.

Added Stevenson coach Pat Ambrose: "We were able to get the stops when we really needed to."

Buffalo Grove enjoyed a 26-19 lead early in the second half, but the Patriots did not allow another basket in the third quarter. They scored the next six points and cut the deficit to one point, 26-25, with eight minutes left in regulation.

Stevenson trailed 34-33 with 1:03 left in the fourth quarter when junior guard Mark Swanson took his first shot of the game. His 3-pointer gave Stevenson a 34-33 advantage.

"His role is to come in and known down shots," Wood said. "It was great to see him do it on such a huge stage."

Buffalo Grove's Hurley immediately answered with a 3-pointer of his own. Wood responded with a jumper to tie the score at 36-36.

Then, the overtime fun started.

In the regular season, Lake Forest defeated Stevenson twice.

Lake Forest advanced with a 67-46 victory over Barrington.

"We're playing the No. 1 seed," Ambrose said. "We know we need to play much better."