For most of Wednesday’s 40-minute contest between Angelina College and McLennan College, AC’s Roadrunners were able to keep pace with the undefeated Highlanders, never allowing McLennan to build a big lead.
Over the game’s final seven minutes, however, the Highlanders showed why they’re perennials in the national rankings every season.
McLennan put together a 14-5 run late in the game to hold off the ‘Runners 92-78 at Shands Gymnasium, keeping the Highlanders spotless on the season at 4-0 while handing AC its third straight loss.
AC’s Kevin Norman led his team with 24 points, connecting for four of his seven three-point attempts. Deedy Gauno added 21 points and Draylon Brown 11 points in the loss.
The Highlanders’ Xaiver Armstead led all scorers with 28 points. Teammates Mike Adewunmi and Dayante McClellan finished with 15 points each.
The Roadrunners trailed 70-67 following a pair of Walter Prevost free throws with 8:49 to play, but McLennan’s Javen Hedgeman, Jordan Skipper-Brown and Devyn Brewton teamed up to score MCC’s next 12 points to build a lead too large for AC to overcome.
The Roadrunners (1-3) will travel to Arkansas Baptist College on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m.
AC then will host Arkansas Baptist at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Shands Gymnasium.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
