Grayslake Central does in Hampshire in fourth quarter

With Grayslake Central trailing Hampshire by 8 points after three quarters, the Rams knew they needed to be more aggressive on defense.

That they were, holding the Whip-Purs to 5 fourth-quarter points to come away with a 55-49 win in Fox Valley Conference Fox Division boys basketball action in Hampshire Tuesday night.

Davin Llorens scored 21 points and Joey Mudd added 11, including 2 key baskets in the fourth quarter, to pace the Rams (9-9, 4-3).

Hampshire appeared to have all the momentum after Luke Tuttle hit a shot from near half-court to beat the third-quarter buzzer. That gave the Whips a 44-36 lead, but Grayslake Central outscored the hosts 19-5 the rest of the way. The Rams went on a 10-1 run to open the quarter, with Llorens' 3-pointer giving them just their second lead of the game at 46-45.

The Whips responded with 4 straight to regain the lead at 49-46, but GC scored the final 9 points. After Llorens tied it at 49, Mudd made steals on back-to-back possessions. He converted both into transition layups to make it 53-49.

"I told the kids that we've got to move forward on defense and put some pressure on them," said Grayslake Central coach Kosta Kougias. "That was the goal in the fourth quarter. They had that momentum but the guys stuck together. It was a back-and-forth game, but David Llorens knocked down big shots. Joe Mudd, he's a 3-year varsity starter for a reason, and he came up big as a captain tonight."

Hampshire dropped its fifth straight to fall to 13-7, 3-4.

"We're struggling," said Hampshire coach Bob Barnett. "We're playing not to lose instead of playing to win right now. You go into the fourth quarter with an 8-point lead and get outscored 19-5. We had a 4-point lead with two minutes to go and then boom, boom. We missed 3 free throws. It's frustrating right now."

Matt Bridges led Hampshire with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Jake Tuttle added 10 points and also had 6 blocks.

Hampshire's offense was clicking early. The Whip-Purs led 21-13 after he first quarter and 28-19 early in the second before Grayslake Central scored 8 straight.

Matt Benko added 9 points and Sam Ruhlmann 8 for the Rams.