Bombers do enough, top Illini West 39-28
BOYS BASKETBALL
Macomb 39, Illini West 28
MACOMB — Macomb did not make a second-half field goal against Illini West on Friday night.
Luckily for the Bombers, they didn’t need to.
Macomb’s ability to pile on the points at the end of the first quarter and carry on that run in the second was the difference on Friday night as the Bombers topped Illini West 39-28 at Macomb High.
After leading 30-13 at half, Macomb would not make a field goal in the third, but the defense bailed out the Bombers, who still led by double figures after three, 34-21.
The Chargers cut the deficit to eight in the fourth quarter but Macomb’s defense and free throws allowed the Bombers to hold on for the win.
Connor Watson led Macomb, scoring 20 points while Connor Hamm added 10.
At the first mask break, Macomb led the Chargers 8-4 but closed the last three minutes, 27 seconds of the quarter on an 11-1 run.
The Macomb would keep rolling, leading Illini West 24-6 at the 6:31 mark of the second.
The 16-2 run would be enough for Macomb, which successfully kept the Chargers at a safe distance.
The win was a big one for the Bombers, who were coming off a three-point loss to PORTA earlier in the week and also have three games next week.
Macomb’s defense was able to shine in the first quarter and a half of play, holding the Chargers to only a pair of field goals as the Bombers built their lead.
Ball pressure by Watson, Hamm and Nolan Kerr combined with the rebounding of Kerr, Haden Case and Jack Duncan would not allow Illini West to get comfortable.
Neither team could muster much offense after the quick Macomb spurt at the end of the first quarter as the Chargers could hang around but never get within two possessions.
This article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice: macomb boys basketball
