Tough defense lifts Jacobs over Bartlett

Defense.

Holding Bartlett's high-octane offense to 24 points during the first 3 quarters, Jacobs' defense was a key element in a 60-48 win over Bartlett in first round action of the Hinkle Holiday Classic boys basketball tournament hosted by Jacobs Saturday night in Algonquin.

“Our defense possession to possession during the first three quarters was phenomenal,” said Jacobs coach Jim Roberts. “We clamped down our their shooters and forced them out of their offense. We had some breakdowns in the fourth quarter but overall it was a great defensive effort.”

Bartlett (4-4), which committed 24 turnovers in the game, connected on only 9-of-30 shots from the field for 30 percent and 6-of-20 from 3-point range during the first 3 quarters.

“Jacobs did a great job of switching and we did a poor job of reacting to the switches,” said Bartlett coach Jim Wolfsmith. “We didn't make shots and never got into a rhythm or tempo offensively. We need to live and learn and come back and play better on Monday.”

With Cameron Krutwig scoring 14 points and Loen Nelson netting 8, the Golden Eagles dominated the Hawks through 3 quarters and led 44-24 heading into the fourth and final quarter.

Through 24 minutes of action, Jacobs (9-1) connected on 17-of-27 shots from the field for 63 percent and 6-of-10 from beyond the arc.

Bartlett made a run to start the fourth quarter with 9 straight points on 3 treys, one each from Tyler Pauletti, Jason Hasenberg and Alec Turner to cut the Golden Eagles' lead to 44-33 with 5:48 remaining but couldn't get any closer.

Jacobs preserved the win by connecting on 6-of-7 from the line in the final 3 minutes, two each by Krutwig, Tim Randl and Nikolas Balkcom.

Krutwig enjoyed another monster night for the Golden Eagles with 20 points, 18 rebounds and 3 assists.

“We were really prepared for this game and really clamped down defensively,” said Krutwig. “We knew who their shooters were and we knew the spots they liked to shoot the ball.”

Nelson, who saw little playing time a year ago as a junior, poured in 11 with 3 trifectas for the winners.

“Our pressure defensively was outstanding,” said Nelson . “We really amped it up and pressured their 3-point shooters. It was nice to hit some 3s to help the team.”

Hasenberg, who buried three 3s in the game, was the lone Hawk in double digits with 18 points.