Sports
Strong Defense Key to Bison Victory Over Lindblom
Buffalo Grove sealed the game 65-51 following a halftime tie.
Turning up the defensive pressure in the second half, boys basketball team broke open a tight fought battle with Chicago's Lindblom High School Saturday night to run off with a 65-51 home court victory.
The win was the second in as many nights for the Bison, who saw their record hit 7-2 with the win.
The contest was a seesaw affair that ended in a 39-39 first-half tie.
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But at the start of the third period, Buffalo Grove turned it up a notch.
"We talked about defense," said coach Ryan O'Connor of his half-time message to his Bison, "and our defensive intensity was much better in the second half.
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"We did a better job of staying in front of guys. Their dribble penetration really hurt us the first half," he said. "We picked up them at half court a little bit and I think that helped."
With a tough game the previous night against Elk Grove, an 89-64 Mid-Suburban East conference win, O'Connor worried his team might be mentally tired.
"We've been playing pretty good team basketball," he said. "I think our guys are playing well defensively. I'm pretty happy with where we are. If we continue to spread the ball on offense and play good defense, I think we have a chance in every game."
Buffalo Grove had three players in double figures. Junior center Sam Wacker and senior guard Nick Prus each had 17 points and sophomore guard Luke Potnick scored 14.
"They did a really nice job for us," O'Connor said.
Potnick scored 28 points Friday night against Elk Grove.
"He's playing at an extremely high level for us right now," O'Connor said.
Senior guard Jeff Zabrin, who tallied seven points, also received praise from the coach.
"Jeff Zabrin has been a good leader for us really the whole year," the coach said. "He scores a little bit. Handles the ball. He plays great defense. He's vocal. He does a lot of things you won't see on a stat sheet."
Next up for Buffalo Grove is a tournament in Elgin and a drive to get back in the Mid-Suburban East Conference race.
"We play Batavia (in the tournament) and they are a tough first-round matchup for us," he said. "It would be good to get that first one and get in the winner's bracket. You are guaranteed four good games.
And after that, it's break time.
"We will take some time off for Christmas and New Year's and re-energize for the second half," he said.
