Jacobs able to hold off Huntley
Jacobs coach Jim Roberts could finally breathe a little easier.
With 4 free throws from sophomore Ryan Phillips in the final 30 seconds, Jacobs was able stave off a late valiant rally from Huntley in posting a 42-36 victory in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division boys basketball action in Huntley Saturday night.
"Ryan wanted the ball at the end which says a lot about his maturity," said Roberts. "Wanting the ball and making the free throws is two different things. Ryan showed a lot of poise. Huntley played hard until end and never gave up. We are a young team and found a way to win."
The Golden Eagles (7-1, 2-0) seemed to be in good shape when Cameron Krutwig scored on a putback with 6:55 left to take a 38-26 lead. That was the last basket Jacobs would make in the game.
Huntley utilized the 3-point shot to get back in the game.
Mathew Seng nailed 2 from beyond the arc and Olalere Oladipo canned a trey as the Red Raiders' (4-3, 1-1) 9-0 run sliced the Golden Eagle advantage to 38-35.
Huntley couldn't get any closer.
"We could have easily given up when we were down double digits early in the fourth quarter," said Huntley coach Will Benson. "I was really proud of the way we battled. The effort was outstanding. It seems we are climbing levels every game."
Krutwig, who missed 5 layups, scored 17 points with 18 rebounds for the winners.
"I was frustrated that I missed so many bunnies," said Krutwig. "The guys did a great job of getting me the ball in good scoring position. We could play better, but we got the job done."
Roberts was glad to see his team get the ball to Krutwig in good scoring position.
"We would like to get Cam touches every possession," said Roberts. "Cam missed point-blank shots he rarely misses."
Phillips added 15 points with a pair of treys for the Golden Eagles.
Huntley, which made 8-of-15 from beyond the arc for 53 percent, was led by Oladipo with 12 points including a pair of 3s.
Seng and Alec Coss each connected on 2 trifectas for 6 points apiece.
"I wish we could have got the ball inside a little more, but Jacobs plays really good defense," said Benson. "Most of the 3s we shot were good shots."