Portsmouth, NH - Men's basketball ends regular season against conference opponent University of Maine Augusta. This game was a makeup from the game that was supposed to be played January 28th.
The Panthers opened the game cold, struggling to find the bottom of the net. Lucky enough, Maine Augusta did not seem like they were playing their brand of basketball either. Both teams also were playing good defense, causing some bad plays on each offensive side. The defense was very even with both the Panthers and Maine Augusta getting 3 team blocks each, and the Panthers getting 5 steals to Maine Augustas 3. The Panthers were led in the first half by guard
Myles Washington (Alexandria, VA) trying to do what he could to help his team. He finished the first half with 5 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound.
Brett Richards (Kinderhook, NY) pulled down 7 rebounds along with getting 3 blocks in the first half.
The second half was a different story for the Panthers as they came out hot, shooting much better and staging a comeback against Maine Augusta. The defensive end was strong again with 6 more steals in the second half, bringing their total to 11 for the game. The Panthers just a couple minutes into the second half were able to bring it to a 4 point game, and thee game continued to be back and forth after that. However, with just over 9 minutes to go the Panthers saw themselves down by 1 point ready to take this game over. It was after the Panthers were down by one that something within Maine Augusta sparked, and they started getting really hot from the field. They were scoring both inside the paint and found some of their guys outside the three point line to take control back in this game. The Panthers could not find another comeback in their gameplay and the game ended with the Panthers losing 59-45.
Despite the loss, the Panthers strong defense was able to hold a team that averages 75 points a game to under 60 points in this one. Richards finished the game with another double double scoring 17 points and pulling down 11 rebounds. Washington added 10 points and 4 assists, while
Levi Thomas (Fort Plains, NY) totaled 6 points, 3 steals, and 3 rebounds.
Jalin Williams Winter Haven, FL) led the defensive end with 4 steals. Finally,
Edgard Matias (Kissimmee, FL) helped on the boards again, pulling down 10 himself.
The Panthers regular season is now over, and they will have the whole week to prepare for the YSCC Playoffs where they will take on #1 seed Central Maine.
How to follow the Panthers: For the latest information on ACPHS athletics, visit acphspanthers.com or check out the ACPHS athletics social media platforms on Instagram @ACPHSPanthers or Twitter @ACPHSAthletics.
