The Skinny: Sandburg played a physical, smart defensive game and got just enough offense to hold off Minooka 37-29 in Wednesday's quarterfinal matchup against Minooka in the inaugural Hinsdale South Holiday Tournament. The Eagles led 19-14 at halftime, but the Indians fought their way back, pulling to within 31-29 late. After Minooka missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with under a minute remaining, Sandburg's Nick Lehnerer drained two free throws with 29 seconds left to make it 34-29. The Indians would not get any closer, while the Eagles' Joe Kuligoski put an exclamation point on the victory with a dunk just before time expired.

Patch’s MVP: Sandburg's Brian Dace was the lone scorer for either team in double digits, totaling more than one-third of his team's points with 13.

Key Stats: Minooka didn't score in double figures in any of the quarters. Sandburg's Malek Harris was a monster on the glass, collecting 11 rebounds, all on the defensive end. His work minimized second-chance opportunities for the Indians. Minooka committed 13 turnovers.

Sandburg Leaders: In addition to Dace's 13 points and Harris' 11 rebounds, the Eagles received seven points and five rebounds from Nick Lehnerer and five points from Joe Kuligoski. Harris didn't just control the glass either, as he contributed five points and four assists in the win.

Minooka Leaders: Jacob Hogen and Lavell Dean each had nine points for the Indians. Hogen led the team with six rebounds. Adam Reynolds and Kevin Burkett each had five rebounds.

Quotable I: Sandburg coach Todd Allen on holding a team to under 30 points: "They guys are playing well and defensively we're doing a good job. If you would've told me we would've scored 37 points and we'd win by eight, I would've told you before the game you were crazy."

Quotable II: Minooka coach Scott Tanaka: "Both teams did a great job of playing defense, both teams did a great job of running their offenses and I think that was the bottom line. Sandburg is a very good basketball team and I know their only losses have come when they haven't had a full lineup."

Quotable III: Sandburg's Brian Dace on the style of game that was played: "It was an extra-physical game out there and we just stayed together as a team and were able to play hard and finish the game."

Team Records: Sandburg is 6-4 and Minooka is 7-3.

What’s Next: Sandburg will play the winner of Metea Valley/Rolling Meadows in the tournament semifinals on Thursday at 7:45 p.m. Minooka will play the loser of Metea Valley/Rolling Meadows at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.