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Loss Puts Bronco in MSL-W Toss Up

A defensive battle forces overtime as Schaumburg defeats Barrington 50-47.

With an MSL-W title on the line for both the Broncos and the Saxons, regulation time wouldn't be enough in this defensive war.

“Instead of it taking 32, it was 36 minutes that needed more consistency,” Barrington's coach Tucker said.

Barrington (17-8, 6-3) entered their MSL-W conference game with the Saxons hoping to leave with the West title plaque that hasn't been in their trophy case in 20 years. They knew heading into Schaumburg that they would have a battle on their hands, especially since the Broncos have only one win in the last 20 trips to Schaumburg. 

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The Saxons jumped out to a quick 13-3 run with defense that forced the Broncos to shoot with a hand in their face and were led by sophomore guard Kyle Bolger. Bolger, scored five during Schaumburg's run and ended the game leading all scorers with 15 points. However, Bolger's real damage would be felt in overtime.

“We did really well battling back after the first, Tucker said. “But it was tough to overcome some of the lapses during [the first] and the fourth quarter.”

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Barrington would navigate through the Saxon's first quarter pressure, and would fight back with their own 7-3 run to end the quarter. The Broncos stayed close due to senior guard Tyler Weathered's 4 points in the stanza, and he would end with 11 points for the game.

Trailing 16-10, Barrington would clamp down defensively on the Saxons during the second quarter and wouldn't allow Schaumburg's first point until the 4:01 mark (a free-throw), and wouldn't allow their first field goal for almost another minute. In fact, it would have been the Saxons only field goal of the quarter but they managed a last second put back before the end of the half.

The Broncos capitalized on the defensive pressure that stalled the Saxons, and Barrington ran themselves to the lead on a 7-0 run. But moments after Barrington took the 17-16 lead, the Saxons would immediately responded and managed to fight their way to a slight lead at halftime, 22-21.

The impressive Bronco defense displayed during the second frame was remarkable improved upon with a stellar eight minutes third quarter where Barrington allowed only one point. By far their lowest total points allowed in a quarter all season but the Saxons played just as tight on defense and only allowed the Broncos 9 points.

“We knew how talented [Schaumburg] is and how well coached they were,” Tucker said of the defensive conflict that occurred. “'We knew that first game (Barrington won 64-39) was not a true representation of how they play.”

Junior forward John Schneider scored four points in the third quarter and helped the Broncos to the 30-23 lead. Schneider, who backed up his 24 point barrage earlier in the week at Grant, scored 13 points in tonight's performance tonight and came alive in the second half scoring 10.

But the Saxons were quick to show why they are deserving of fighting for the MSL title by continuing the theme of defense deep into the game. Showing resiliency and a determination to not allow Barrington a sweep in the season series, or allowing Barrington to win for just the second time in 20 years on their home court (Barrington first won last year), the Saxons quickly orchestrated a 14-7 fourth quarter advantage that helped them claw back into the game and force overtime at 37-37.

The 37 regulation points scored by the Broncos were the lowest for a four quarter game all season and meant that the Broncos would be forced to play their first overtime affair of the season. Things did not start as hoped in the extra period as Schaumburg's Bolger started the additional four minutes with a quick three pointer as he would pour in 8 points in overtime. The only other Saxon to score in overtime was senior guard Javon McDonald who chipped in 5 points (all free-throws) and McDonald ended with 14 points. The Saxons finished 15 out of 27 from the free stripe while the Broncos finished at 50 percent hitting 10 of 20.

While down, 42-37, and hope of a victory fleeting, senior guard Greg Gerrard attempted to pull the Broncos back with an aggressive baseline drive that drew the foul. Hoping to connect on the unconventional three point play, Gerrard missed the free-throw and would eventually foul out ending the game with 9 points forced to watch his team lose from the bench.

Barrington was unable to battle back and would lose 50-47 in overtime. The 47 team points would tie for the second lowest points scored on the season by the Broncos.

“Right now, (the team) is not happy,” Tucker said of the game. “We are just disappointed in how we played. If we were more consistent, we'd be in a better mood right now."

“Really we were rushing a bit and trying to do too much; we just weren't able to calm ourselves down,” Schneider said following the game. “This was a tough loss, but we are going to get back to business tomorrow night (rematch game at Crystal Lake South at 7:30pm) and comeback twice as hard.” 

MSL-W Update:

The confusion known as the MSL-W is as follows: the Bronco (6-3) loss to the Saxons (6-3), Fremd's (6-3) defeat of Hoffman Estates 60-52, and Conant's (6-3) win over Palatine 80-73 moves Barrington in a tie with Conant, Fremd and Schaumburg for the top spot. This provides more proof about the year of parity in the MSL-W. Conant and Fremd battle each other so that will eliminate one of the teams trying for conference bragging rights, while Schaumburg has a home match with Palatine and Barrington's final league foe is at home against Hoffman Estates next Friday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

Although Hoffman is win-less in conference play, Coach Tucker knows the upcoming skirmish is not one to take lightly, especially considering what could be potentially riding on the line.

“We barely escaped with a win last time,” Tucker said of the 48-37 win at Hoffman Estates. “They are a lot better than their record indicates and when we played them their best player was injured.”

Bronco Playoff News:

With their year-long consistent play, Barrington has earned the number three seed in the Barrington Sectional and will play their first regional game in Libertyville on Tuesday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. against the winner of the Feb. 28 game between Libertyville and Palatine High School.

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