Mundelein’s defense too much for Niles West

THE SKINNY

Mundelein was in control most of the way en route to a 39-26 win over Niles West on Day 2 of the Mundelein Holiday Classic girls basketball tourney Thursday night.

TURNING POINT

Leading by nine, Mundelein (8-5 overall) closed the first half with a 9-0 run. They kept a double-digit lead the rest of the way.

THE STAR

The Mustangs’ defense. Mundelein held Niles West to just 11-of-40 shooting from the field (27.5 percent), and used impressive ball pressure to contest the majority of the Wolves’ shots.

BY THE NUMBERS

Maggie Mahar (eight points, six rebounds) and Madison Davis (eight points, seven boards) were the top scorers for the Mustangs, who also got five points and eight rebounds from junior Natalie Busscher. Niles West, meanwhile, was led by Alex Galanapoulous (game-high 11 points) and speedy guard Katherine DeLara (seven points).

QUOTABLE

“Defense is something we always spend a whole lot of time on in practice.” — Mundelein senior guard Lauren Rouse