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Technically, foul benefits Maine South in win at Palatine

A technical foul called on a coach can have a impact on the game. The result can be positive or negative.

In this case, when Maine South coach Tony Lavorato was whistled for the infraction his Hawks were trailing at Palatine 15-11 late in the first quarter. Maine South used the technical to regroup and went on to beat Palatine 68-47 Saturday afternoon.

"We didn't come out strong and we have been feeling teams out early instead of attacking," said Lavorato.

Things changed in a hurry in the second quarter.

The Pirates (15-11) started out strong, outrebounding the taller Hawks 8-6 after the first quarter.

Palatine's Charlie VanDyke, who finished with 20 points on six 3s, knocked down four and hit 2 free throws as the Pirates led 17-13 at quarter's end.

Maine South (18-8) started using its height advantage, with 6-foot-11 senior center Brad Perry and the sharpshooting of Jon Arenas and guard Tommy Digan to build a 30-22 halftime advantage. Arenas hit two 3 point baskets, Perry scored 6 points and Digan added 5 points.

Palatine was outscored 17-5 in the quarter.

"Charlie got us a hot start," said Palatine coach Eric Millstone. "But we knew Maine South would make some adjustments. Perimeter shots can only get you so far. We just couldn't get any clean looks inside."

"After coach was called for the technical," said Arenas, "we huddled together and regrouped. We had to play with more energy and turn on the switch and get going. I felt our transition game worked because we were able to get baskets before their defense could set. Perry (18 points, 12 rebounds) was getting the ball inside from our guards and Digan (14 points) and I were getting some good looks."

Arenas (19 points) fueled a 13-4 run to start the third quarter by scoring the Hawks' first 5 points in building a 43-26 lead with 4:08 left in the quarter.

Johnny O'Shea (10 points, 5 rebounds) scored 4 points in a 10-4 run that cut Maine South lead to 49-39 before Perry converted his own miss with :02 left in the quarter.

Maine South pulled away in the fourth quarter.

The Hawks dominated the boards 25-15.

"I was happy about the way we shot the ball and rebounded after the first quarter," said Lavorato. "VanDyke had a great game and shot the ball well."

"What I liked was that despite the score we played hard and battled," said Millstone. "Maine South played to their strength and kept it simple.

"What we have to do know is to keep it together. The kids will come back - that's their strength."

  Palatine's Matt Mayer goes for a block against Maine South's Ryan Coffey on Saturday at Palatine. Bob Chwedyk, bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Palatine's Majetete Balanganayi gets fouled by Maine South's Brad Perry on Saturday. Bob Chwedyk, bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Palatine's Matt Mayer goes for a loose ball against Maine South. Bob Chwedyk, bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
  Palatine's Matt Ulrich looks for an open man against Maine South. Bob Chwedyk, bchwedyk@dailyherald.com
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