Bears Boys Aren't Able to Overcome Second Half Blues in 53-39 Loss to Huskies

Lake Zurich played competitively through the third quarter of their away game against Hersey on Saturday night. Through the first half, they had kept the score close and were down by six, 21-15.

But in the second half, the Huskies began to pull away, outscoring the Bears 32-24 for a 53-39 victory. “We played tough defense, but they made a run in the fourth quarter off transitions and dribble drives, and we couldn’t answer,” said Tom Reagan, who was coaching Lake Zurich because coach Billy Pitcher was out with strep throat.

Hersey improved to 14-7 on the season, and the Bears knew going into the game that they were battling a red-hot team. The Huskies have won eight out of ten games going back to their winter break 55-48 tournament win over LaSalle-Peru. Since their run began, they’ve beaten more than several tough adversaries, including Buffalo Grove, Niles North, Rolling Meadows and Prospect.

Lake Zurich (5-17) has four games remaining, against Warren (20-2), Stevenson (9-11), Zion-Benton (15-6) and Grant (13-6). None of these games will be easy, especially against powerhouse Warren, whom they have the misfortune of playing the Blue Devils on their home court. One plus for the Bears is that their remaining three games after that are at home.

Bears Pause: Mirko Grcic led Lake Zurich with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Drake Orser had 8 points.

Next Up: 7:30pm, Friday, Feb. 11 at Warren; 5:30pm, Saturday, Feb. 12, at home against Stevenson.