Gathright's hot shooting leads Cougars over Panthers

By: Aaron Meekins, Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

FREDERICK, Md. - Frederick Community College entered the game with a record of 6-7 in the conference and knew that defeating Baltimore City would keep their hopes of making the MD JUCO tournament alive. The Cougars not only got the important win, but did so emphatically, never trailing on their way to beating the Panthers of BCCC, 77-65. With the win, FCC improves to 9-12 overall including 7-7 in conference play, and will wait and see how other teams finish to determine their playoff fate. 

The Cougars were the ones to get off to a hot start in Saturday's contest as they jumped out to an 8-2 run to start the game. The Cougars defense continued to stifle their opponent, as they held the Panthers to just 18 points in the first fifteen minutes of the game with the score at 22-18. Frederick's lead grew to nine with 1:50 to play, and the Cougars held the lead into the locker room at the half, 32-27. The Cougars were led throughout the half by hot shooting Tyre Gathright, who poured in 12 first half points. Jacob McIntosh continued his strong play contributing eight points and grabbing seven rebounds in the first period. 

The Cougars came out just as determined in the second half as they did in the first as they scored the first four points, building their lead to 36-27. After a 6-0 run by the Panthers to get the game within three points, the Cougars responded by going back up eight points with 13:14 to play with the score 47-39. Over the next four minutes the Panthers were able to go on a 10-2 run, erasing Frederick's lead and tying the score at 49-49. Frederick responded with a series of exciting plays from McIntosh and Gathright. With 6:24 to play the Cougars took a 57-53 lead when Keith Claiborne drove baseline and delivered a pass to McIntosh who through down a monstrous two handed slam dunk.  After FCC got a stop on the other end Gathright came down and hit his third three of the night, putting the Cougars up seven. The Panthers answered on the other end with a score when the Cougars pushed the ball back up the court and Gathright connected on his fourth three of the night, putting FCC ahead 63-55 with 4:25 to play. With 1:07 to play, Keon Claiborne made two free throws to give Frederick its first double digit lead of the game at 72-62, and Frederick held on to win 77-65. 

Gathright finished the game with 24 points shooting 8-of-12 from the field, including 4-of-6 from three point distance. He made 4-of-4 from the line and added seven rebounds. McIntosh finished the game with 12 points and 15 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Keon Claiborne finished with 18 points. Frederick finished the game 18-22 from the free throw line. 

Frederick returns to action Wednesday night (2/8) at home against Rowan College at Burlington County. Tip-off is slated for 6:00 pm.