Men's basketball comes up short against Rowan College at Burlington County

By: Aaron Meekins, Men's Basketball Assistant Coach

FREDERICK, Md. - FCC entered the game against the Barons (10-9) of Rowan College at Burlington County sporting a two game winning streak. As has been the case lately, the Cougars defense was effective in the first half, holding the Barons to just 30 points. However, RCBC was able to break the game open in the second half by scoring 45 points to pull ahead of FCC and go on to win, 75-71. The loss drops Frederick to 9-13 on the season.

The first half got off to an extremely slow start for both teams. After five minutes of play, FCC led 4-1. Over the course of the half, FCC had a difficult time converting good looks from the outside, hitting on just 11-of-27 field goals from the field. Each team traded baskets the rest of the half with neither team separating themselves to build a lead. With 6.9 seconds left to to play in the first half, FCC's Keon Claiborne got a steal in the backcourt and finished the layup to send the Cougars into the half down by the score of 30-28. Defensively, the Cougars kept the game close, forcing many Baron misses and turnovers. FCC's sophomore Anthony Isaac led the way for the Cougars offensively in the first half, connecting on 5-of-9 from the field for 12 points. 

The second half started the same way the first half ended, with both teams coming out trading baskets. The Cougars tied the score at 38-38 with 15 minutes to play highlighted by an Anthony Isaac dunk off a missed layup. From there, the Cougars were able to build their largest lead of the game, 43-38, after Keith Claiborne found Tyre Gathright for a jumper and Keon Claiborne found Marlon White for a three pointer on consecutive possessions. The Barons were able to claw their way back and regained the lead at 48-47 with 10 minutes to play. The Cougars regained the lead off another dunk off a teammate miss, this time by Cyree Dunnell. With five minutes to play, the Cougars were able to match their largest lead of the game at 64-59 after Isaac found a cutting Dunnell for an old-fashion three point play. Three consecutive poor possessions by the Cougars and the Barons would earn the victory, 75-71.

Anthony Isaac led the Couagars with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Marlon White added 13 points off the bench for the Cougars. Keon Claiborne dished out six assists.

The Cougars received good news after the loss that they have landed the #8 seed in the upcoming MD JUCO conference tournament. Frederick returns to action Saturday (2/11) at Mercer Community College (NJ).