Auburn, ME - Men's basketball loses in the first round of the YSCC playoffs against number one seed Central Maine Community College Mustangs.
Men's basketball went up to Maine on Sunday to take on the Mustangs of Central Maine in the first round of the YSCC Playoffs. The Panthers were looking to try and cause a stir in the playoffs by taking down the number one seed this season. The Panthers started out the game a little slow, while the Mustangs opened up the game hot. Just over 6 minutes into the first half, the Mustangs were up by double digits. The Mustangs were really trying to make sure no attempt at a massive upset was going to happen to them on their home court. The major story of the first half was the Mustangs accuracy from the field and defense compared to the Panthers. The Panthers started to find a groove at the end of the half, but the Mustangs 54.8% shooting and 10 steals led them to having a good advantage over the Panthers.
The Panthers first half was led by
Brett Richards (Kinderhook, NY) with 10 points, and 7 rebounds.
Edgard Matias (Kissimmee, FL) with 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Myle Washington (Alexandria, VA) and
Levi Thomas (Fort Plain, NY) had 5 and 3 respectivly.
In the second half, the Mustangs cooled off a little bit, but still were shooting lights out. Their 45.2% from the field and 41.2% from behind the arc continued to push them ahead of the Panthers. The Panthers tried to find a groove to at least some sort of scare against the Mustangs, but the first half advantage was just too much to overcome. The Panthers did, however play a lot better in the second half on both ends of the court. The defense showed the Panthers did not lose hope, and were going to push through until that final buzzer. Washington led the way on the defensive end picking up 3 steals. Richards and Thomas both dropped 11 points each in the half, with Richards grabbing another 9 rebounds to give him his final double double of the season.
Abe Pogue (Oradell, NJ) dropped 7 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds in the second half to help the Panthers.
Brett Richards finished with 21 to lead all scorers, and 16 rebounds.
Levi Thomas was the only other Panther in double figures for points ending with 14. The Panthers made sure to continue to really fight with heart until the final buzzer.
Although the Panthers lost, it was still a good season with what they had. Early injuries restricted them from maybe having the season they wanted, but the team is ready to fight for the top of the YSCC next year. With a young group, building chemistry, and a new recruiting class to give the Panthers depth, the Panthers are looking to come back strong next year.
The Panthers will take some time off, work throughout the offseason before getting back on the grind next fall.
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.
