St. Francis needs 2 OTs to advance

By the KANE COUNTY CHRONICLE
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WHEATON – It took a pair of overtimes, but the St. Francis boys basketball team advanced to its first regional title game since 1999 with a 68-63 win Wednesday against Chicago Raby in an IHSA Class 3A St. Francis Regional semifinal.

St. Francis (17-9) faces perennial power St. Joseph at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the regional final.

“I’m really happy for these kids,” Spartans coach Shawn Healy said. “They’ve overachieved all year.”

St. Francis led by 10 points with about 2 minutes left in regulation but couldn’t hold onto the lead. In the first overtime, Raby had a chance to win it, but misfired to send the game into a second overtime.

St. Francis senior Jack Purdom (12 points) opened the second extra period with a three-pointer, and junior Dave Palash hit a pair of free throws to give St. Francis a 61-56 lead.

“They didn’t play great tonight, but I’m really proud of these guys,” Healy said. “They deserve a shot against a team like St. Joe’s. It’ll be a great experience, no matter what. We’ll have to play a very good game to win, but that’s why they play the game.”

Brian McMahon led the Spartans with 19 points, and Dan McCoy added 12.

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