The Panthers had their chances to put away the Spartans in the second half and fell 78-76 on Tuesday night.
There were a few opportunities in the closing seconds that seemingly were going to go in their favor. However, Elgin found a way to erase a 6-point deficit with seven minutes and change remaining in regulation.
After Elgin took the lead with a 3-pointer under 10 seconds remaining, Manny Rodriguez had one last shot, and his outside jumper spun out after it nearly went down.
A few turnovers and air balls from the outside in the final possessions proved pivotal. Turning the ball over 14 times as a team proved costly. The ability to get to the free throw line and take higher percentage shots are some of the aspects head coach Jon Rush would love to have the team pursue.
"Late in games, we need to improve across the board. We need to take higher percentage shots, with consecutive stops defensively. We need to take away "the known" of the other team. In our last defensive possession, we gave up an uncontested three from a guy that shoots 42% from that spot on the floor. We have to respond," Rush said.
Manny Rodriguez has had great production for the Panthers since December and posted a team-high 20 points in the loss. He made five 3-pointers and nearly had a sixth as the final buzzer sounded.
"Manny offensively has been one of our most consistent guys. He has to continue to limit his turnovers and make smart plays," Rush said.
Looking at the Skyway Standings, the Panthers fell to fifth place at 3-4 with McHenry County. Around the league, Prairie State knocked off previously unbeaten Moraine Valley as the pair are atop the Skyway at 6-1. Elgin moved to 4-3 in a tie with Waubonsee for third place.
There have been several close losses that the Panthers are looking to put behind them and change down the stretch run of their season.
"We have to find a way to sustain a lead. Right now, we are known as the team who folds against adversity. We have five losses now that have come by a combined 10 points. We were in control of all five games late in the second half before losing," Rush said.
They have a Thursday home date with Oakton (0-7), which will be critical for both squads. The doubleheader (women at 5:15, men to follow) will be live on Facebook (http://bit.ly/3UwtfcW) & Youtube (http://bit.ly/3VYQDB2) with a pair of legends on the call in Kenny McReynolds and Mark Krueger!
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