Cougars' double-digit lead slips away in conference loss

By: Aaron Meekins, Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

La Plata, Md - Frederick returned to action on Friday night at The College of Southern Maryland. The game had early implications in the race to make the MD JUCO conference tournament, as Frederick entered the game at 4-3 in conference and CSM entered at 3-4. After a back and forth first half that saw the Hawks of CSM take a one point advantage into the half, the start of the second half belonged to the Cougars as they built a 14 point lead midway. However, the Hawks put in a gutsy final effort and went on to win 84-79.

The first half was competitive between teams with similar records. The Cougars jumped out to a 23-17 lead in the first ten minutes of the game, a stretch in which freshman Cyree Dunnell came off the bench on fire, scoring 11 points on 4-4 shooting. Over the next five minutes, the Hawks were able to regain the lead 34-33 as both teams traded baskets. The Hawks went on to lead at the half 46-45. Freshmen Keon Claiborne had a strong first half for the Cougars, contributing five assists in leading the Cougar offense. Freshman Marlon White was the beneficiary of many of these assists, contributing 14 points. Sophomore Stacy Gipson added seven points and five rebounds to provide great energy for FCC off the bench. Frederick saw 11 different players see action in the first half as it again found itself in foul trouble.

The beginning of the second half was dominated by the Cougars. Frederick started the period on a 16-4 run in the opening six minutes. At the 9:39 mark, the Cougars add their largest lead of the game, 66-52. The Hawks refused to go away, and over the next five minutes went on a 16-6 run of their own to get the lead down to 72-68. Another 9-4 run over the next three minutes gave the Hawks the lead, 77-76 with only 90 seconds to play. Frederick was able to get one more free throw and one more score, but the Hawks were able to finish the game at the line to take home the 84-79 victory. 

Gipson continued his great energy in the second half and finished with a double-double (13 points and 14 rebounds). White finished with 16 points. Keon Claiborne contributed a solid all-around performance with 12 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Tyre Gathright added 10 points and Anthony Isaac added nine rebounds. Dunnell finished the game with 12 points. 

The loss drops FCC to 5-9 overall, 4-4 in conference play. CSM took the 8th spot in the MD JUCO, as they hold the tie breaker. Frederick returns to action at home on Monday, January 16th to face Potomac State. Tip-off is 4:00 PM. Their next conference game will be at home against Howard Community College on Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.