MAPLE PARK – The intensity of the last seconds of the Kaneland boys basketball home opener Friday night against Northern Illinois Big 12 East rival Morris more than made up for the slow pace of the first 31-plus minutes.

Down 31-30 with 17.7 seconds to go, the Knights inbounded the ball after a time out. With the clocking winding down, John Pruett got the ball and launched a 3-pointer from the left corner. The trey attempt bounced off the rim but was quickly rebounded by teammate Tyler Carlson, who sank the put back as time expired. The basket gave the Knights’ a 32-31 victory, their first of the season.

“Ty just happened to crash and get the ball and barely got it off,” Kaneland coach Brian Johnson said. “We were very fortunately to come away with the win.”