Jenkins' free throw, late slam helps Groove stop skid
Windy City moves into fourth place
CHICAGO - Deveon Jenkins may have been a recent pickup for the Windy City Groove, but he played like a veteran down the stretch to help the Groove topple the Chicago Force 102-93 in overtime at the Kroc Center in Chicago, ending a season-long five-game losing streak,
Jenkins dropped in 23 points to lead the Groove (2-5) into fourth place in the MPBA. Late in regulation, his six consecutive free throws helped salt away a 13-point Force advantage and spark an 8-1 run to force extra baskets. Nate Fuqua also chipped in 21 points, including three of four from the foul line in the fourth quarter. Darrin Johnson wasn't too far behind, dropping in 22 points, including three 3-pointers.
The lead changed hands between the clubs 14 times with 5 ties. Derrick McDonald secured his MPBA-best sixth straight 20-10 outing with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Antoine Ware recorded a season-high 27 points, but late free throw misses helped the Force's undoing as they fell to 2-6, a half-game behind the Groove.
Both teams resume their series Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at the Kroc Center.