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Westminster Christian 3rd at own tournament

The Westminster Christian boys basketball team went nearly 7 minutes without a field goal and saw its 7-point, fourth-quarter lead erased Saturday by Indian Creek.

The Warriors stayed calm, especially at the free-throw line. They went 10-for-11 from the foul line in the final 3½ minutes to beat the Timberwolves, 61-54, in the third-place game of the 8th annual Warrior Thanksgiving Classic in Elgin.

"I have a good confidence and the whole team has confidence at the free-throw line," said Westminster junior Dillon Rejman, who went 8-for-8 from the line. "It really can help us win games."

Robert Kleczynski scored 15 seconds into the fourth quarter to give the Warriors (3-1) a 45-38 lead. Westminster led 47-40 when Indian Creek (2-2) went on a 7-0 run to tie the game with 3:44 remaining. The Warriors went 0-for-6 from the field and had a turnover during the Timberwolves' run.

"We can't score every trip," Westminster coach Bruce Firchau said. "You knew they were going to make another run."

Rejman hit a pair of free throws with 3:30 to go as the Warriors took a 49-47 lead. Rejman hit 4 more free throws for a 53-47 lead with 1:29 remaining. Kleczynski, who led all scorers with 31 points, hit a field goal with 53 seconds remaining for the Warriors' first basket since his basket to open the fourth quarter. Rejman's 2 free throws with 45.7 seconds remaining capped a 10-0 run as the Warriors took a 57-47 lead to put the game away.

Indian Creek led 12-11 after the first quarter. Kleczynski scored a minute into the second quarter and the Warriors never trailed again.

Westminster played without senior forward Sam Carani, who was injured in Friday's game against St. Edward. Kleczynski picked up most of the slack with his 31 points and 11 rebounds. Rejman finished with 10 points. Scott Graziano added 8 points and Peter Hahn had 7.

"Sam's normally our main scorer," Rejman said. "Everyone gets more shots without him. We moved the ball very well. We found the open man."

Drew Winterton led Indian Creek with 16 points off the bench.

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