Dave Andrews was one of the first grammar school players who decided to attend Gordon four years ago after Shay Boyle was hired to become the head varsity basketball coach of the Rams. Andrews, who has been a three-year starter, scored a game-high 21 points to lead Gordon (4-5) past Jones (9-2) 57-56 in the opening round of the Luther North tournament.
“Gordon was the best option for me,” admitted Andrews who had seven three-point baskets in the win over the Eagles on Tuesday afternoon. “My local school was Senn. My grades weren’t the best. My dad was really impressed with Gordon.”
“If he’s open, I have told anyone who will listen that he is the best shooter in Illinois,” Gordon head coach Shay Boyle said after the win.
Although Andrews had a fine performance with 21 points, Gordon prevailed on a basket by Jerry Davis with one second left after the Rams had blown a seven-point lead in the final quarter.
“My coach told me to just take my time,” Davis said on his game winning hoop.
Jones rallied to take a 54-52 lead after a free throw and basket by DeAndre Taylor.
The momentum of this game might have changed after a technical foul was called on Andrews. The Eagles couldn’t take advantage as they missed three free throws.
Jones would miss eight foul shots on the night.
“The kid from Gordon (Davis) made a nice shot,” Jones head coach Frank Griseto said. Ultimately, the game was free throws. Tight game you have to make your free throws.”
Devanchey Bell gave Gordon a 55-54 lead with 1:51 remaining on a three-point play.
Jones took its last lead on a bucket by Courtney Copeland with 1:37 left.
Jones tried unsuccessfully to run out the clock as they committed a costly turnover giving Gordon a chance to win the contest.
Davis missed a layup to the hoop with 26 seconds left while Jauquis Buckman missed a free throw with 25.5 seconds left for the Eagles.
Davis made his game-winning shot after Gordon called timeout to actually setup a play for teammate Mahlike Graham. Davis took a pass and drove to the basket and hit a jump shot with one second left on the clock.
“Coach Boyle called this game our Super Bowl,” admitted Andrews who played in grammar school tournaments at Luther North. “If we really wanted to win this tournament, we have got to win tonight. This was a big game. Jones is probably the best team in our pool.”
Bell also had a big game for Gordon scoring 15 points in a reserve role while Davis added 11 points.
Taylor and Copeland combined for 36 points as Jones made 23-of-43 shots.
Andrews had four three-pointers in the opening quarter as the Rams led 19-17 after the opening quarter and 29-28 at halftime.
Gordon will face two-time defending champ Mather tonight.
In other games, Chicago Academy (8-2), who is leading the Blue North section, began the tourney by beating Mather 47-44.
In evening action, Aaron Shannon scored 25 points to lead Maine East (3-7) past Guerin for the second time this season 49-43.
Taft (7-5) closed out the opening day of games by topping Luther North 67-44 as Tim Reamer led the Eagles with 15 points.
Related posts:
- Gordon loses opening game at Luther North
- Gordon Tech drains St. Benedict
- Gordon wins tourney consolation title; season turning around
- Gordon Tech to Play in Regional Championship After Pounding Lakeview
