Boys Basketball: Lincoln-Way East’s bench too much for Romeoville

Updated: December 6, 2011 10:21PM

Lincoln-Way East jumped out to an eight-point, first-quarter lead on its way a 52-40 win Tuesday night over Romeoville.

Nine players reached the scorebook as Griffins coach Rich Kolimas liberally used his bench.

“We go 10-deep easy, and we’re comfortable with our guys on the bench,” Kolimas said after his team improved to 4-2. “Our starting lineup isn’t set. It’s based on effort during the week, which is good because the guys work hard, but it can be tough to find an offensive rhythm.”

This was evident as the Griffins hit a dry spell in the third quarter, scoring nine points in the frame and leaving Romeoville a chance for a comeback.

After the Spartans were down 13 at the break, Romeoville’s Ryan Hurtado hit two close-in baskets midway through the third quarter before a Nate Washington three-pointer cut the East lead to five. But the Griffins took better care of the ball to end the period for a 33-26 lead.

East used the same ball control to start the final quarter on a 10-0 run, getting up by as much as 17 to ice the game. Joel Magrum (11 points) and Ryan Hayes (nine) led the Griffins in scoring.

“We took care of the ball a little better in the fourth quarter,” Kolimas said. “With both teams playing a 2-3 zone, it was a deliberate game. We showed a little patience and were more poised at the end.”

Romeoville (1-4) received eight points each from Devin Purnell and Ross Lamont.

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