Thornwood needs two overtimes to knock off Bradley-Bourbonnais

THE SKINNY

In a battle for the early-season lead in the SouthWest Suburban Conference Red Division, Thornwood finally disposed of Bradley-Bourbonnais 84-83 in a double-overtime thriller Friday in South Holland. The Thunderbirds ran their marks to 12-4 overall and 4-0 in the SWSC Red. Bradley dropped to 10-2, 3-1.

TURNING POINT

Rashaad Alexander stole an inbound pass and was fouled at the second-overtime horn. His free throw ended the game and gave the Thunderbolts a one-game lead on Bradley in the SWSC Red.

THE STAR

Bradley-Bourbonnais guard Levester Harris kept the Boilers close, scoring a game-high 35 points. Kenneth Bates had 17 points and 19 rebounds for Thornwood.

BY THE NUMBERS

Trailing 46-45, Thornwood went on a 14-5 run to take a 58-51 lead with 59.8 seconds left in regulation. Bradley responded with a 13-5 run to send the game into overtime tied at 64-all. Thornwood missed three of its last four free throws in regulation.

QUOTABLE

“I haven’t seen something like that ever. He clearly yanked our guy’s jersey so he couldn’t catch the ball” – Thornwood coach Paul Slavich on the foul call at the end of the second overtime.