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Wheeling can't overcome second-quarter deficit

Wheeling played host Glenbrook North even for three quarters - but the second quarter in Tuesday night's 63-46 nonconference loss was the difference.

The Wildcats were outscored 24-7 in the second quarter, which led to their demise as Wheeling fell to 4-11 overall.

Wheeling coach Anthony Como was not available for the game due to health concerns. Assistants Brent Pearlman and Brynn Nordmark stepped in.

"We didn't play well in the second quarter," said Nordmark. "We let them in the lane more than we wanted and that led to their run."

Glenbrook North's Jonathan Simon scored 11 points in the quarter and Pat Hamilton added 7 points.

Hamilton finished with 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Simon scored 17 points.

Jan Siegien, playing his first game for the Spartans since tearing his left ACL in the summer, scored 13 points.

With the game tied at 12 going into the second quarter, Glenbrook North (9-6) went on a 12-2 run to lead 24-14 with 4:50 left in the first half.

Baskets by the Wildcats' Nick Janulis (15 points) and Dylan Draka shaved the lead to 25-18 with 2:55 left.

Simon keyed a 11-1 run to finish the half with a putback basket and two more scores to lead 36-19 at the break.

"It was a good quarter for us," said Spartan coach Dave Weber. "Because of Wheeling's defense we were able to spread the floor more. We made some extra passes that led to baskets.

"Simon gave us a huge lift with his scoring and his rebounding in the quarter. Getting Siegien back was a big lift for us."

Wheeling trailed 51-32 going into the fourth quarter, when it made another run. The Wildcats pulled to 51-40 with 6:06 left in the game 2 free throws from Jake Jordan (7 points). Following Jalen Dennis' basket, the Wildcats were within 55-45 with 3:00 left.

The Spartans, though, eased away with a, 8-0 run over the next 1:40.

"Wheeling was denying the ball well," said Hamilton. "We had to dribble-penetrate in the second quarter. With only one turnover in the quarter, we took care of the ball and converted on some of their turnovers for fastbreak baskets."

Glenbrook North also accounted for 16 assists and outrebounded Wheeling 24-17.

"Our kids are playing with heart and effort," said Nordmark. "We gave them some trouble in the fourth quarter and got back in the game. But, then our shots didn't fall when we needed them. We need to get some consistency with the players that we know can score."

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