SOUTH SNEAKS BY OAKVILLE FOR FIRST CONFERENCE WIN

South opened up conference play Friday night with a visit to Oakville.  South came out ready to defend the Suburban West Conference they captured last year going undefeated.  It started out well for the Patriots whose defense held the Tigers to seven points in the first quarter.  South played arguably their best quarter of the season leading 19-7 after the first.  The second quarter was much of the same.  Oakville continued to struggle with the zone pressure and because of that South went into the locker room with the lead 27-18. 

Being a conference game and a tough Oakville team, South knew the game was not over.  Oakville's half court trapped lead south to three quick turnovers early in the third quarter.  The Patriots continued the grind and were able to get to the free throw line to keep the lead at eight with one quarter to play.  Because of South's 17 steals they were able to extend the lead to 12 points with less than five minutes to play in the fourth.  Oakville continued to pressure the young South team and quickly got back in the game.  Oakville knocked down big shots and won the second chance points causing South to lose the lead late in the fourth quarter for the first time all game. 

After Ervin Sarajlic's free throw putting Oakville up 53-51, South had fifteen seconds to make something happen.  With no timeouts, Chris Dandridge dribbled down the court and passed to Courtland Rogers in the corner who passed immediately back to Chris who gave a head fake and stepped back behind the three point line to nail the shot putting the Patriots up 54-53.  Four seconds remained on the clock and Oakville threw up a shot that hit the back board giving South its first conference game win.  South was lead by Chris Dandridge's 20 points and Jeremy Verges' 17 points. 

Next up for the Patriots is Webster Groves this Tuesday at home.  The next conference game for South will be played at Marquette next Friday.