Jacobs hangs on against Barrington
Just about everything went wrong for Jacobs' boys basketball team Monday night at Barrington in a nonconference matchup.
The Golden Eagles turned the ball over 18 times to Barrington's 9.
Jacobs was out rebounded 21-14.
Barrington missed only 3 of 10 free throw attempts, while Jacobs missed 9 free throws.
The Broncos had 17 baskets to Jacobs' 14.
Somehow Jacobs still squeezed out a 45-42 win in a gritty effort.
"We grew up tonight," said Jacobs coach Jim Roberts. "We are nothing less than encouraged about how the fourth quarter turned out for us."
Jacobs (8-1) had what seemed to be a commanding 10-point lead at 38-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
Barrington's Ben Weber, who had been plagued by first-half foul trouble made 2 free throws and a basket, which was followed by a basket from Will Reinhard (20 points, 7 rebounds) to make the score 38-34 with 2:47 left in the game.
Loen Nelson finally scored for Jacobs with 2 free throws at the 2:33 mark for a 40-34 lead.
Reinhard hit 2 free throws and Ray Niro made a basket as the Broncos narrowed the gap to 40-38 with 1:40 left.
After Jacobs Tim Randl hit 1 of 2 free throws, Ryan Phillips made the play of the night. Reinhard maneuvered his way around Golden Eagles center Cameron Krutwig (8 points, 7 rebounds) and drove to the basket.
"Cameron yelled out 'help!' " said Phillips. "I was the help on the play. I was able to block the shot. It was big play because it helped stop their momentum - it helped us get it back. Tonight we played as one. This game was big for us. We matured tonight."
Nikolas Balkcom came away with the ball after Phillips' block, was fouled and hit 2 free throws for a 5-point 43-38 lead with :51 left.
A putback basket by sophomore Ray Niro with 1.5 left made it 44-42.
Phillips (17 points) hit the second of 2 free throws for the final score.
The Broncos (5-4) had a final chance, but the inbounds pass to Weber was knocked away at the Jacobs free throw line. Weber finished with 8 points, 3 steals and 3 assists.
"We were as bad as we could be for a stretch in the third quarter," said Barrington coach Bryan Tucker. "With Ben out with foul trouble, we were without our best defender and one of our scorers."
Barrington led 26-25 with 5:58 left in the third quarter before the Golden Eagles went on a 10-0 run.
Adam Kale put Jacobs ahead at 27-26. Phillips followed with a 3 and then scored on a steal.
"Ryan has really shown toughness the last two games," said Roberts. "He keeps coming up with big plays, and that blocked shot was one of them. He's long and has good length. In our win against Huntley Saturday he came up with big plays."