Without starting point guard Alec Martinez (torn ACL) out for the season and his starting lineup facing a serious size disadvantage Friday night against Homewood-Flossmoor, all Sandburg coach Todd Allen wanted was his team to have a chance down the stretch.
After falling behind 12-3, that strategy appeared far-fetched.
Sandburg, however, responded and tied the game at 34 on a three-pointer by Mo Abed with 4:19 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The game eventually went to overtime, and down 44-42 and with 5.3 seconds left in the extra session, Sandburg drew up a final play.