The Marian University Ancilla Men's Basketball team returned to action coming out of Christmas break and faced a very big challenge as they hosted the defending NJCAA Division 2 National Champion, South Suburban College.  After a very competitive first half, South Suburban took control of the action in the second half, ending the night with an 89-76 win.

The first half was a very back-and-forth contest as neither team could find a lead of more than 6 points.  It was the Chargers who held a high-powered South Suburban team in check with a pesky zone defense that forced South Suburban in to a lot of 3-point shots.  The Chargers did a great job in executing their game plan and controlled the defensive boards which allowed them to stay close to the visitors.  The Chargers closed the first half strong, cutting in to a 6 point deficit with two late baskets, resulting in a 36-34 deficit at the break.

South Suburban came out very strong in the second half with high energy and hot shooting, starting the half on a 24-6 run to open up a 60-40 lead.  Marian University Ancilla hung tough and fought hard over the final twelve meetings, cutting the lead to 9 on multiple occasions before eventually falling by a final score of 89-76.  

Head Coach Jeremy Herring was pleased with his team's energy and focus in the first half.  "I felt like our guys did a great job in our zone defense and in understanding the scouting report.  That is a big step for us as we continue to grow as a team.  In the second half, South Suburban's energy and athleticism along with their experience, took the game over.  I am proud of the fact we continued to battle and got that lead back under 10 points.  Playing someone with National Championship experience is the kind of test that will prepare of for MCCAA play."

Zach Dutton led the Chargers with 13 points and was joined in double figures by Ben Jones and Jordan Freeman, both of whom finished with 10 points for the 8-3 Chargers who will return to action on January 5th when they travel to take on another strong opponent, Hocking College.