In the nightcap of an exciting doubleheader at Kirk Hall in Auburn on Wednesday, the top two men’s basketball teams from the YSCC matched up and it would be Central Community College garnering the split by slipping past UMaine-Augusta 79-76.
Much like the women’s game, won by the Moose, this one was also closely contested throughout. UMA had a 46-40 lead at halftime, but out of the locker room CMCC charged out on a 12-1 run in the first 3:06 to take a 52-47 advantage. The guests responded with a spurt of their own of 15-4 over the next 5:34 to jump back in front 62-56. After the Mustangs regained a slight lead, Kobe Edwards nailed a three-pointer for the guests with 1:02 remaining for another lead change of 76-75 Moose. JT Pound put the hosts up for good with a jumper with 48 seconds left, and Will Duke (Camden Hills) hit two free throws with seven seconds to go for a three point edge. A tying three-point attempt by Khalif Betts of UMA was too long as time expired.
Edwards led UMaine-Augusta in the loss with 15 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Rocco Chang added 13 points, while Betts finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Aviyon Matthews put in 11 points, while grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out six assists. Will Francis (Orono) also came off the bench to contribute 11 points and six rebounds. The Moose, who are tied at #5 nationally, fall to 16-10 and 11-3 in the YSCC. Khaden Moore had a huge game for CMCC with a double double scoring 26 points and hauling down 11 rebounds. He was 12-19 from the floor and also added three assists and a blocked shot. Duke had 15 points, five steals, and three assists. Rounding out the double digit scorers was Ryan White and Da’Vohn Jonas with 11 each, and Pound with 10. The #4 ranked Mustangs improve to 20-8 and 13-1 in the conference.
Photo of Will Duke from a game earlier this season courtesy of CMCC Athletics
