Schaumburg's defense nicks Knights

Schaumburg’s Justin Swiercz shoots a three-pointer in front of the Prospect bench.
(Scott Powers/For the Sun-Times News Group

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Schaumburg’s basketball program was known before reaching the Pontiac holiday tournament championship last week.

But now …

“But after being on TV and getting some more notoriety, people are going to be bringing their best game against us,” Schaumburg coach Bob Williams said. “We want it that way.”

Prospect was the first to takes it best shot at the No. 6 Saxons on Tuesday, and the Saxons didn’t budge. Schaumburg defeated the visiting Knights to 63-50 in a Mid-Suburban League crossover.

It wasn’t an easy one, though. Prospect was within three points early in the fourth quarter until the Saxons turned up their defense and pulled away. Schaumburg held Prospect to five points in the opening 3:59 of the fourth quarter and scored 11 points itself.

Perrish Bell, Cully Payne and Justin Swiercz combined for 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals in the decisive quarter.

Battling tightness in his back and a late ankle sprain, Payne finished with a game-high 23 points and five assists. Swiercz (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Bell (10 points) also were in double figures for the Saxons (14-1).

“I would say I’m in a lot of pain,” Payne said. “Between my ankle and back, it’s even now. [I still play because] I love winning.”

Kevin Reed (14 points, six rebounds) and Nsenzi Salasini (nine points, 10 rebounds) led the Knights (9-5).