AACC MBB Loses a Heartbreaker

Anne Arundel Community College’s men’s basketball team played their final regular season home game on Friday night against Howard Community College (13-10, 9-6 conf.). The Pioneers have been playing their hearts out and unfortunately can’t seem to find themselves on the plus side of their contests. That same trend continued against Howard.

Finding themselves down 41-37 entering halftime AACC (13-11, 5-10 conf.) was very much in the game. In the second half the Pioneers swapped leads with Howard before tying the game at 60-60. AACC went ahead and led the game into the final second. With the score 75-72 in favor of AACC, Howard launched a three point shot with 2 seconds remaining in hopes of tying the game. The three point shot connected sending the contest into overtime.

With eight seconds remaining the first overtime Howard made a free throw to tie the game at 86-86. Anne Arundel’s Jalen Lester put up a three point shot but the shot missed resulting in a second overtime period.

In the second additional five minute period the Pioneers were stalled with 94 points and Howard connected on free throws and lay ups to overcome AACC 105-94. The loss marks the fourth in a row for Anne Arundel.

Lester finished with 43 points and 9 rebounds. James Aorilio scored 20 points with 6 rebounds. Jarvez Pierce added 10 points and 8 rebounds. Anthony Frazier chipped in with 8 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists.

Tonight begins the MD JUCO conference tournament and the Pioneers have drawn the 13^th seed slotting them against 4^th seeded Prince George’s CC. The game will be played at PG with tip-off scheduled for 7pm. The winner will advance to play against the winner of the #5 Harford and #12 Allegany contest. The second and final rounds of the tournament will be played at Harford in the APGFCU Arena.