Talley sparks late Merrillville run against Chesterton boys

MERRILLVILLE | There is more than one way to solve a zone, but the strategies are all predicated on the same principles -- patience and ball movement.

Merrillville used them both to unlock Chesterton's 2-3 zone in the second half Thursday, pulling away from the improving Trojans in the fourth quarter for a 70-61 Duneland Athletic Conference triumph.

"We just wanted to spread them out, let the offense run, be patient and execute," Pirates coach T.J. Lux said. "The second half, we were more patient. We moved the ball around the perimeter, made the defense shift and had good inside-outside balance."

Zoran Talley scored eight of his career-high 26 points, all in close proximity to the basket, during a key fourth-quarter sequence that saw Merrillville (10-7, 7-5) turn a 52-51 deficit into a 64-56 advantage.

"I caught 'em sleeping," Talley said. "I just kept rotating until I could find an opening, slipped in there and Jelani (Pruitt) dished the ball off to me. I was just taking whatever the defense was giving me."

The Pirates kept Chesterton (5-11, 3-9) at arm's length the rest of the way, netting 8-of-10 free throws in the closing minutes and 17-of-22 for the game.

"Turnovers at crucial times again," Trojans coach Tom Peller said. "It's frustrating."

B.J. Jenkins netted 11 of his 18 points in the third quarter, including three 3s, but the Pirates couldn't gain any separation until it raised the pressure defensively.

"Coach got on us hard at halftime to pick up the intensity," Talley said.

Chesterton coughed up the ball eight times in the final two quarters, including some particularly costly miscues in the late going.

"That's the No. 1 thing we had on the board for the game," Lux said. "We wanted our defense to create tempo for us. We were much more active in the second half."

John Mosley added 11 points and eight rebounds for the Pirates, while Pruitt contributed 10 points and four assists.

"We've got some guys who can shoot the ball when they get their feet set and also put it on the floor and go around guys to create opportunities," Lux said.

The Trojans were led by freshmen Chris Palombizio and Matt Holba, who registered 14 and 10 points, respectively. Palombizio notched nine in the second quarter alone, staking Chesterton to a 32-28 halftime edge.

"Chris did a tremendous job," Peller said. "He showed poise. He made shots. They're growing up. I don't consider them freshmen anymore."