Free-throw accuracy key for Vikings
Geneva might not be the flashiest team around, but its ability to execute on both ends of the court makes it a dangerous opponent for anybody.
Larkin learned the lesson first-hand Saturday night as its 11-game win streak came to a halt with a 61-56 Upstate Eight River loss to the visiting Vikings in Elgin.
Geneva (14-4, 5-2) did all the little things right down the stretch, including a perfect 15-for-15 showing at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter as it moved into a tie with the Royals atop the UEC River standings.
Sophomore Nate Navigato hit all three of his free throws in the fourth and finished with a team-high 19 points for the Vikings.
“We shoot a set of 10 free throws twice every day that we practice, so we work on free throws a lot,” Navigato said. “This feels really good. Now we’re tied [for first in the conference], so this is huge for us.”
Larkin (16-3, 6-2) played the entire first half without senior standout Quentin Ruff, who was anchored to the bench due to a vio- lation of team rules. Ruff never found a rhythm once he checked in, going 0-for-7 from three-point range and finishing with two points one night after hitting six threepointers and scoring 20 in an 87-49 victory against Streamwood.
The Royals were only 3-for-19 from beyond the arc as a team. Derrick Streety hit a jumper with his foot on the three-point line to pull Larkin within 57-56 with 30 seconds left.
But Navigato hit a pair of free throws to push Geneva’s lead back to three with 22 seconds remaining and Ruff missed a three-pointer on the ensuing possession.
“It’s tough to put a kid in who is used to playing all the time after not playing a whole half,” Larkin coach Deryn Carter said. “What [Ruff ] did didn’t warrant a full game, so it was kind of a catch-22.”
Kendale McCullum kept the Royals close as he finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four assists. Quantice Hunter added 11 points.
“Execution is what got us beat,” Carter said. “Tonight showed our two weaknesses: Half-court execution and defensive rebounding.”