By Dan McGrath
January was an excruciating month for Leo’s basketball team, but the Lions closed it out on a winning note by beating Montini 50-36 in Lombard on Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Behind Keeland Jordan’s 21 points and 12 from Jachi Lewis, the Lions improved to 6-18 overall, 2-8 in the Catholic League. Montini is 3-19, 1-9.
The Broncos’ active 1-2-2 zone defense had Jordan dealing with two defenders each time he touched the ball in the first half, which ended with Leo leading 21-19, though Jordan scored but four points.
In the third period, Jordan set up shop in the high post, and the Broncos couldn’t contain him. He scored 10 points and distributed three assists as the Lions outscored Montini 16-4 to take control of the game.
The Broncos made a mini-run and cut Leo’s lead to five with just over a minute remaining. But freshman Zion Wilkins knocked down two free throws and Leo went 7-for-10 at the foul line in the final minute to taste victory for the first time in nearly a month.
Next: Evergreen Park (14-12) in the Evergreen Park Shootout on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 3:30.