In a season full of adversity, Chagrin Falls encountered even more obstacles in knocking off visiting Hawken in overtime on Saturday, 64-63.
A short bench and foul trouble threw several wrinkles into Chagrin Falls’ game plan but the Tigers managed to make key plays down the stretch to win the game.
“This was a tremendous team effort tonight,” said Chagrin Falls coach Dave Bargar. “We really had to gut one out. We were playing with one of our main guys out and had foul trouble the whole night. I thought our bench did a fantastic job when they were called on to contribute.”
Chagrin Falls led after the first quarter, 16-13, but Hawken rallied in the second and led at the break, 32-28.
The Tigers edged the Hawks by two points in both the third and fourth quarters to force the extra frame.
“There wasn’t a lot of flow to the game tonight,” Bargar said. “Both teams were in foul trouble and it was difficult to get in any rhythm. After being off for 17 days, it was great to get back on the court and compete this weekend. The game wasn’t pretty, but we are going to embrace any chance we get to compete.”
Hawken held a four-point lead in overtime but Ian Zitney, who finished with eight points, sank a key basket to spark the Tigers. That momentum carried Chagrin Falls to victory.
Xavier Perez scored a game-high 18 points for the Tigers to go along with three assists and three steals and Jack McMullen also scored in double figures with 15. He also pulled down five rebounds. Jack Stauffer contributed to the win with eight points.
Taj Caver and A.J. Sands led Hawken with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
