The Details
Final Score: Riverhawks 61, # 17 Cougars 77
Updated Records: AACC 7-11 overall, 3-8 conference. Cougars 17-3 overall, 8-2 conference
Location: Anne Arundel Community College, Arnold - MD
Box Score: Found here
Media: AACC Athletics YouTube
Game Notes
For the sixth time in as many games, the Riverhawks faced either a higher division team or a top four team in the conference. In that stretch they've traveled to conference leading Baltimore City, and fourth place Prince George's. On Wednesday, it was more of the same as AACC hosted the number three team in the conference and nationally ranked NJCAA DII Region XX Cougars of Frederick Community College.
In a tough stretch of conference contests, the Riverhawks continued their tenacious and intense approach. Through the first half, AACC challenged the #14 ranked Cougars at one point holding an eight point lead. Jacoby Rojas and Walt Tolliver combined for 17 points in the half with Rojas coupling with Dayvon Cuffey for 5 assists. Along with offense, the Riverhawks used their smarts on defense to draw several offensive fouls on the Cougars, stifling their offense.
Frederick would prove true to their national rank and claw back to carry a 1-point lead into halftime, 30-29. Their sharing of the ball and bench help would see five players with significant point contributions in the half.
After the break it was more of the same from Rojas as he netted 11 second half points shooting a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw stripe. Cuffey would play most of the second half adding 9 points, 2 rebounds and a tremendous block on a dunk attempt.
The Riverhawks would draw eight more fouls than the Cougars and shoot 14 more free-throws. Despite shooting at over 70% they left some points on the floor at the foul line.
AACC kept the game close with less than 10 minutes left but the Cougars held a steady margin until closing out the game at the five minute mark. They battled the entire game, truly testing the nationally ranked squad from Frederick.
Up Next
The Riverhawks certainly don't get a break from the challenges as they travel to the NJCAA DII Region XX Hawks of Southern Maryland for a Friday night doubleheader, January 25 at 7pm. The Hawks are the reigning DII Region XX Champs and have fared well in the conference this season at 6-5. AACC will look to gain some confidence as they finish out the month with another conference contest on the road at Howard on the 30th, returning home with a non-division, non-region XX game with Delaware Tech on the 31st .
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