Pasquella's hoop helps Lake Forest top Libertyville in 3 OTs

Judging from the results, it seems clear that the boys basketball teams from Lake Forest and Libertyville really like playing competitive games against one another.

In the first meeting back in December, Libertyville prevailed 65-60 in overtime.

Such is the North Suburban Conference, where any team regardless of the record can snakebite you anytime.

Case in point came Tuesday as Lake Forest got a little redemption at home on Tuesday evening when it pulled out a thrilling 61-59 triple-overtime victory.

The loss left the Cats 7-3 and a game behind conference leader Stevenson, which stands at 8-2 with both having only a few games left. Libertyville tangles with the Pats this Friday in Lincolnshire.

"Definitely a dogfight whenever we play them (Lake Forest)," said Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski said after his guys slipped to 15-8 overall. "We moved the ball well but our inside game hurt us tonight. Give Lake Forest a lot of credit. They were physical and patient and got the shot they wanted at the end."

With the game tied 59-59, Lake Forest junior guard Michael Pasquella tipped in a missed short jumper by senior forward Ben Gibson as the horn sounded, and Pasquella was promptly mobbed by his teammates and fans.

Senior forward Drew Peterson (23 points, 9 rebounds) gave the Cats a chance to win it after both the first and second overtime but his 3s from long distance bounced off the rim.

The Scouts (9-13, 4-6 NSC) came ready to play as they took it to Libertyville for most of the first half, leading by as many as 11 at 27-16.

But the Cats showed their resiliency by putting together an 9-0 run to knot the game at 27 by the half.

Senior forward Chase Eyre heated up, scoring 12 of his team-high 26 points in the second quarter, including two treys during that run.

"He's been really stepping up big-time for us this season," said Zyrkowski.

Lake Forest's Gibson led all scorers with 32 points.