Boys Basketball: Mundelein tops Zee-Bees for 20th win
By P.J. Bonato Contributor February 7, 2012 9:40PM
Zion's Gabriel Ramirez (right) goes in for two as he is being defended by Mundelen's Robert Knar. | Michael Schmidt~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: February 13, 2012 4:58PM
Junior guard Robert Knar scored a game-high 29 points and Mundelein’s high-octane offense was humming along, per usual.
But it was a defensive play that helped secure the Mustangs’ 71-63 win over host Zion-Benton on Tuesday night.
With Mundelein up 65-61 and 1:03 left to play, Zion star Milik Yarbrough (24 points) had his layup rejected by Sean O’Brien.
Mundelein recovered the ball, went the other way, Knar was fouled, hit two free throws, and that was the ballgame.
“That block was huge for us,” said Mundelein coach Richard Knar. “He’s had some key blocks and deflections this season. It was a big momentum-changer in the game.”
Yarbrough had 19 of his 24 points in the second half, which started with Mundelein ahead 36-28.
The closest Zion got the rest of the way was at 65-61 before O’Brien’s block.
Knar was 11-of-18 shooting from the field and hit three three-balls.
“The lane was open tonight and I was able to drive to the basket to score,” said Knar, whose team lost to Zion-Benton last week.
Zion is now 8-13 overall and 2-9 in the North Suburban Conference Lake Division. It will play at Warren on Friday.
The win was Mundelein’s 20th in 26 games. It is 7-4 and second to Warren in the division.
“This was an important win for us,” said coach Knar. “It’s great to have back-to-back 20-win seasons. (29-5 last season).
When Mundelein lost to Zion last week, it was the Mustangs’ fourth game in a week.
“We came out more focused and with more energy tonight and moved the ball more effectively on offense.”
O’Brien and Chino Ebube each had 12 points and Nate Brune added 10 in the win.
For Zion, Devante Nicks had 13 points and Richard ray added 10.
Mundelein will be home on Friday against Libertyville, and will honor its two newest members to the school’s Basketball Hall of Fame on that night.
They are Matt Corning (Class of 2004) and Jake Gaebler (Class of 2005).
Comments Click here to view or make a comment