ACC’s men’s basketball team split a pair of games over the weekend at the Allen Classic. On Friday, the Red Devils lost 62-57 to Cowley County Community College.
Saturday, the Red Devils got back in the win column, beating Ottawa University’s junior varsity team 102-45.
In the first game, the Red Devils started hot, leading 8-7 at one point early in the game. The Red Devils then went cold in the middle portion of the first half, scoring only two points over nine minutes. Allen trailed 37-26 at halftime.
The Red Devils surged back multiple times in the second half, only to be doomed by turnovers and efficient shooting by Cowley.
Allen shot just under 77% from the free-throw line, making 10 of 13 attempts. Ahmed Mahgoub led the Red Devils with 13 points. Zabriel Boozer had nine points and five rebounds. Ed Wright had eight points. Cedric Rollerson and Tyren Shelly both had Tyren Shelley had six points
Cowley has five NCAA Division I transfers this season, making them a formidable foe and the first tough test of the season for Allen.
“It’s a team loss,” Boozer said. “We just need to get back on track.”
Allen get back on track Saturday with another 100-point game, matching the 102-point total from Tuesday’s win over Bethany College’s junior varsity. Allen raced out to an 18-8 lead early in the second half and never looked back. Allen led 50-24 after the first half.
Allen dominated Ottawa despite not having an overwhelming size advantage. The Red Devils did a good job limiting turnovers and taking advantage of an Ottawa team that shot 31.4% from the field.
With time winding down, the Red Devil faithful began counting down to the 100-point mark, erupting when the Red Devils accomplished the feat.
Allen’s Ed Wright passes the ball.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Ed Wright looks to pass against Ottawa
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Cory Reynolds is introduced prior to the game against Ottawa
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Malachi Martin dribbles while Trevian Sylvester runs the floor
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Allen’s Ahmed Mahgoub, Cedric Rollerson, and Nick Whittick talk during a break in action against Ottawa.
Photo by Reese Becker / Iola Register
Wright became the first Red Devil to go over 20 points in a game this season with 21. Rollerson had 14 points, two assists, and two rebounds. Tanner Meyer had 10 points. Boozer was perfect from the field and scored six points, with four rebounds.
“We have been grinding hard in practice,” Boozer said.
Allen Community College played Saturday’s game without head coach Andy Shaw due to the arrival of his second child.
“Shoutout to coach Shaw,” Boozer exclaimed. “We are all so happy for him and his wife.”Without your head coach, some teams slip. That wasn’t the case for Allen. It was just another reason to man up for the Red Devils.
