Boys Basketball: Homewood-Flossmoor holds off Joliet West

Updated: January 31, 2012 9:56PM

Homewood-Flossmoor lost a big early lead Tuesday, but still managed to earn a 52-48 SouthWest Suburban Blue win at Joliet West.

“We knew they’d play really hard on their home floor,” H-F coach Jim McLaughlin said. “We came out with the first blow and played with a lot of energy. This was a great win, but it was even better because we took what we did in practice and brought it into the game.”

The Vikings (15-5, 8-0) built a 14-point first-half lead, but needed another big stretch in the third period after Joliet West rallied for the lead. Then the Vikings denied the Tigers a chance at a late tie and took a two-game conference lead after a season sweep.

“H-F took two punches and responded both times,” Joliet coach Luke Yaklich said. “That’s a credit to coach Mac and his kids for being able to do that on the road.”

Yaklich was disappointed in his team’s early mistakes. The Tigers (13-6, 6-2) had seven first-period turnovers, including three consecutive possessions, and allowed three rebound baskets. Tim Williams (15 points) had two of those during an eight-point, five-rebound opening period.

“This game was decided on offensive putbacks and points off turnovers,” said Yaklich, whose team shot 35 percent and had 15 turnovers in the first half.

The Tigers did make a game out of it after the Vikings pulled out to a 29-15 lead with 2:02 left in the first half. Joliet closed the half with nine consecutive points, the last six by guard Morris Dunnigan (20 points).

H-F withstood the rally, which reached 17-2 and had Joliet take a 32-31 lead. Maurius Hill (12 points, eight rebounds) scored six points in the last five minutes of an eight-point, five-rebound third period, which ended with the Vikings up 44-39.

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