Analysis: Balance Ignites Downers South's Win

Downers Grove South could not have picked a better night to put together an exemplary team performance as all five Mustangs starters were major contributors in the 60-48 win over Proviso East. 

“We have five guys who can score at any given night,” Mustangs coach Jay Baum said. 

All five did, scoring 58 of the 60’s team points.

What was even more impressive is how unselfish they were with the ball. Guards Danielius Jurguitis, Jamaal Millison, and Jerron Wilbut were just as likely to feed the ball to big men Kevin Honn and Ziggy Riauka as they were to shoot a three or drive the ball to the hole.

“For me it’s always about the team,” Baum said. 

Everyone but Jurguitis finished in double figures for the night. Jurguitis, however, showed off his chops on defense, leading the team with four steals in a dominating defensive effort that held the Pirates to 13 points in the first half. 

“We just keep playing defense,” Mustangs forward Ziggy Riauka said. “It’s always about defense for us.” 

All five starters had at least four rebounds on the night and were aggressive on the glass the entire game, outrebounding the Pirates 33-20.

“I’m proud of my guys and I’m proud of my defense,” Baum said. “They played a great game tonight.” 

The only time Downers South faltered was late in the third quarter. Pirates guard Paris Lee scored eight points in the final 50 seconds. Five of his points came off of steals against the Mustangs in the backcourt, cutting the lead to 44-32.

True to form, however, the Mustangs kept the Pirates from scoring for the first 2 ½ minutes and were able to extend the lead back to 16 after free throws from Wilbut and Riauka. 

“We knew they were going to make runs,” Riauka said. “Coach said to just keep playing defense and we held their offense to fewer points than they usually score.” 

And the end result was there on the scoreboard as the Mustangs won the WSC Gold Conference title with tonight’s win.

Extra Points: 

Stats pack: For such a physical, tenacious game, fouls weren’t an issue for either team. Proviso East committed only 10 and the Mustangs committed only five. 

Play of the night:Fresh off a steal, Mustangs guard Danielius Jurguitis made a trailing layup off the fast break on his way down to the court.

Past history: In a curious quirk, Downers South beat Proviso East on the road by the very same score, 60-48, on Jan. 21. 

Sophomore game: Downers South 43, Proviso East 36. The Mustangs nearly blew a 36-20 lead going into the fourth quarter. They regrouped and won, clinching the WSC Gold Conference sophomore title.