If Thornwood ever gets its offensive attack in balance with its defense, the Thunderbirds can just about bank on a fourth consecutive trip Downstate.
The visitors held district rival Thornridge to six points in the first half and held on for a 53-44 SICA East victory Friday night in Dolton.
The Falcons fall to 7-11, 0-5, while Thornwood (9-7, 4-1) continues putting opposing teams on lockdown as its offense improves each game.
“We played passively in the first half, trying to get them to shoot from the outside,” said Thunderbirds guard Andre Muse (15 points). “They’re more of a penetrating team, and they were taking the shots we wanted them to take.”
The Thunderbirds built a 20-6 halftime lead, allowing just two field goals in the first quarter and a pair of free throws in the second.
Thornridge 6-4 senior Ron Coleman started penetrating and rallied his team back to within striking distance in the second half, when he scored 21 of his game-high 22 points. Twice the Falcons pulled within seven but couldn’t get any closer.
Cordell Liggins and Lonte Ward each had 13 points for Thornwood.
