BASKETBALL: AACC Puts Up Fight in Final Home Game

The following article was submitted to the Broadneck Patch by Duane Herr, Physical Education and Athletic Assistant at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC).

AACC men’s hoops played their final home game leading into the Maryland JUCO conference tournament, which will begin with first round games next Tuesday, Feb. 12. The Pioneers hosted Harford Community College (11-14 overall, 8-6 MD Juco) in a 7 p.m. contest on Feb. 6.

Needing the win to jump up the leaderboard, Anne Arundel (13-10, 5-9) started strong and held a 33-30 lead entering the half. The second half took the trend of a three-point contest as both teams traded buckets from behind the arch. AACC would finish the game shooting 50 percent from three-point land.

Despite being down for most of the game, Harford fought its way back late in the second to eventually tie and lead the Pioneers. A back and forth game late into the second 20 minute half, the final tie of the game would fall at 66-66 but Harford hit a three to gain the lead once again.

With less than one minute remaining, Anne Arundel’s Jalen Lester hit a late three to bring the Pioneers within two. After a Harford free throw, Lester had another good look from three but the shot was a touch strong, hitting the back of the rim. Harford sank two more free throws to win 74-69.

Lester’s 25 points led Pioneer scorers. James Aorilio shot 4-6 from three for 16 points. Aoriolio also grabbed 9 rebounds. Jarvez Pierce added 7 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists.

Anne Arundel will travel to Howard Community College (12-10, 8-6) Friday night for their final game preceding the conference tournament. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Columbia.  

See also:

• Pioneers Basketball Ends Year with Five-Game Streak
• BASKETBALL: Pioneers' Streak Ends in Tough Matchup