Hinsdale Central stops Glenbard West celebration

With its victory Friday Glenbard West was just one win away from the outright West Suburban Silver championship.

But on Hinsdale Central's senior night Saturday, it was the Red Devils who did the celebrating.

Turning a 1-point deficit into a double-digit advantage with an 11-0 second half run, Hinsdale Central went on to record a 46-36 victory and stay mathematically alive for a share of the league title.

"That was one of the best feelings I will have in my basketball career," said senior Peter Blust after scoring 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. "Ending my last (regular-season) home game with a win, that's unbelievable."

Justin Pierce topped the visitors with 20 points, including seven in the fourth quarter. His layup brought the Hilltoppers within 35-32 but after a missed free throw, Trevor Hamilton got ahead for a breakaway layup. The Red Devils then closed it out with seven made free throws down the stretch.

"It's tough to emotionally and physically bounce back from such a great game last night," said Pierce, referring to Friday's 59-53 decision over Oak Park. "We were so excited obviously with our performance. A back-to-back is always tough, especially in our conference. And Hinsdale Central wanted a piece of us after we took one from them in the fourth quarter last time. They are a good team and we just didn't play well, it's as simple as that."

Glenbard West (20-3, 8-2) has two more opportunities to clinch first place for itself, with home games against Lyons Township and Proviso West on Wednesday and Friday. Hinsdale Central (13-10, 6-4) is at Downers Grove North on Tuesday and at York on Friday.

"As much as that's (winning the conference outright) important to us because it's a goal," Glenbard West coach Tim Hoder said, "we want to play well every night no matter what the situation is. We are still trying to get better every day, every game."

Chris Eck also scored 14 points for the Red Devils, who trailed 14-13 at halftime. His basket gave the home team the lead for good at 26-25.

"We did a good job executing and getting the ball inside," Hinsdale Central coach Nick Latorre said. "It was one of those games, we were able to grind it out and make plays down the stretch. I'm really proud of our kids."