Lisle wins despite chilly shooting

Despite being held to 29.1 percent (16-of-55) shooting from the floor and making only 5-of-14 free throws, Lisle held on to post a 39-32 victory over Joliet Catholic Academy in the small-school consolation championship game Dec. 29 at the 31st annual boys basketball Lemont Christmas Classic.

"We played some pretty good defense, but you've got to be able to make more shots than we did if you expect to win," JCA coach Mike O'Toole said. "I'll give credit to Lisle.

They played well defensively, too. They took away some of the things that we do well and they were able to hit some big shots when they needed them in the fourth quarter."

Marcus Wilson led Lisle with 13 points. Tyler Triplett had nine.

The game started very slowly and neither team found much in the way of offense until each had a small surge in the second half. The score was 4-4 after one quarter and 10-10 at the half. The 20 combined first-half points broke the previous tournament record for fewest points in a half -- a mark that stood for 27 years.

JCA (1-9) led just once in the first half at 4-2 and took its biggest lead at 16-13 midway through the third quarter.

The lead was short-lived, though, as Lisle (4-7) stormed back with an 11-0 run over the final four minutes of the quarter to take a 24-16 edge into the final period.

"We got a couple of steals and scored some quick baskets," O'Toole said. "But Lisle made some adjustments and passed the ball well against our press after that."

Indeed, they did as the Lions scored the next five points and maintained the lead and control of the game the rest of the way. JCA did manage to get within 29-26 with 4:12 left but could not get any closer.

The rebounding battle was clearly was won by Lisle. The Lions collected 48 to JCA's 28 which more than made up for their ice-cold shooting.

Wilson had 10 rebounds for Lisle, Lee Gorski had eight and Chris Wray seven.

Lisle took on Argo on Dec. 30 in the tournament's consolation championship.