Abrams' 'D' gets it done for Caravan

Richard's Randall Rushing brings the ball up court against Mount Carmel.
(Patrick Gleason/For the Sun-Times News Group)

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Mount Carmel sophomore Tracy Abrams roared onto the scene last year with his late-game playoff heroics.

Tuesday against Richards the 6-0 Illinois recruit stepped up in crunch time again, dominating the final two minutes to help the host Caravan grab a 72-59 win over No. 25 Richards.

“I’m glad that he did it with his defense,” Mount Carmel coach Mike Flaherty said. “I’ve been stressing to him that he can make as much of an impact with his defense as with his offense, it’s another way he can take over the game.”

The Bulldogs (11-3) trailed by one with 2:06 to play. Abrams drained a three and then stole the ball on the other end. Mount Carmel senior Don McAvoy (15 points, six rebounds) scored to put the Caravan ahead by six. Abrams forced a turnover on Richards’ next possession and followed it up with a free throw to put the Caravan ahead by seven with 39 seconds to play.

“I felt like the steals just showed that we wanted it more,” Abrams said. “I’ve learned that the defense can pump up my team. I think that really changed the game.”

Abrams finished with 19 points and three steals. Fellow sophomore Adonis Filer added 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

“I know it is my job to step up at crunch time,” Abrams said. “I think I’m doing a better job of not getting out of control with it, though.”

Delino Deer finished with 13 points and seven rebounds for the Caravan (10-5). He had his hands full with Richards center Shaun Pratl (22 points, six rebounds).

“Pratl really had his way with us in the second half,” Flaherty said. “Our big guys have a way to go.”

Brandon Snowden added 10 points and 11 rebounds for Richards.