The JEC Thunder opened its 2019-20 varsity basketball pre-season at home with an exciting 66-56 overtime win over the Heichal Hatorah Hornets of Teaneck.

In the first quarter, JEC took a 14-10 lead. At the half, JEC led 26-20, on the power inside play of junior captain, Ethan Thurm. Thurm had 15 points at the half. Senior captain Hillel Glick knotted eight at the half, and junior point guard Dani Hess started the game with a big three ball.

In the third period, the Hornets went on a furious run, outscoring JEC 13-8, and JEC’s lead dwindled to 34-33.

The fourth period was a classic of back and forth basketball. Each team had an answer, whenever the opponent scored.

With Heichal scoring on a layup with.7 to play in the fourth period, the score was knotted at 54-54, and overtime followed.

And that is where JEC shone. Hess opened the overtime for JEC with a corner three. From there, JEC dominated, outscored the Hornets 12-2, and won the contest, 66-56.

Leading the Thunder was Thurm with 29 points, 23 rebounds and two blocks.

Thurm shot 13-16 from the foul line.

Glick had an all-star game with 20 clutch points, including 10 in the fourth period and two in overtime.

Hess tallied 10 and five steals.

Important contributions to JEC were made by Josh Krause (eight rebounds), and Aharon Silver (five points).

For Heichal, Spivak tallied 19 points.