The MU Ancilla Men's Basketball Team took to the floor for Sophomore Night and their last home game knowing that they needed a win plus some help from Southwestern Michigan College in order to make the Region XII playoffs. The nerves of being in a do-or-die situation effected the Chargers early as they fell into a hole against a very strong Kellogg team who ultimately finished 2nd in the MCCAA Western Conference. The Bruins extended their lead to 17 points in the second half before the Chargers made a huge rally, cutting the lead down to 3 points and had two chances to cut it to 1 or tie the game. Unfortnately, they were unable to capitalize on those chances and the Bruins hit key baskets late to escape with a 99-90 win in a high-scoring ballgame.
Zach Dutton led the Chargers with 22 points on 7-16 shooting and a red-hot 5-10 from the 3-point line. Maurice Russell was next with 17 points on his Sophomore Day on 7-10 shooting while Ben Jones finished with 16 points and Willie Reece had 10 to round out the double figures scorers for MU Ancilla.
Coach Herring commented on the back and forth game. "I think we were nervous early knowing what we were up against as far as trying to make the playoffs but to our guys' credit, we shot 58% from the field. Most nights that will get you a win. Unfortunately, Kellogg shot 55% and we just could not quite get over the hump after getting behind by 17. I felt like we fought until the end. We played with a really short bench tonight and I am proud of those 8 guys for the effort they put forth tonight."
The Chargers wrap up their season at 12-12 and turn their attention to the off-season according to Coach Herring. "We have a lot of work to do but I am confident we will get it right and we will be back to where we believe we should be as a program. Our young guys went through a lot of battles this year and should see the benefits of that experience moving forward."