Allen’s men’s basketball was triumphant in its biggest test of the season on Monday’s home game against Johnson County. The Red Devils knocked off the fifth-ranked team in the nation 75-71.
Johnson County took an early 7-5 lead, but both teams traded runs early, with neither setting itself apart too much.
That all ended when Johnson County went on an 8-0 run, establishing an 18-10 lead over Allen. The Red Devils were hurt by the Cavaliers’ three-point shooting, which led to a 32-22 Johnson County lead late in the first half.
A late 12-4 run by Allen brought the game closer at the half. Johnson County held a 36-34 lead.
An early three from Allen to open the second half put the Red Devils up 37-36, but the Cavaliers struck back. Both teams traded the lead back and forth, neither gaining an advantage.
Ed Wright dominated the second half for Allen, as he is prone to do. Sharp shooting and good ball control led Allen to a bigger lead down the stretch.
With 3:00 left, Allen held a 62-58 lead. A packed crowd inside got louder as the game clock ticked down.
With a minute left, a 68-60 Allen lead looked safe. But, a flurry of offense from Johnson County, predicated by good three-point shooting, made the game closer.
As the clock wound down, Johnson County looked to foul Allen to speed up Allen’s offense and save the clock, but their plan backfired. Allen shooters made most of their free throws and clinched the game at the line.
Wright led the team with 25 points and shot 11-12 from the free throw line. Zabriel Boozer had a double-double with 21 points and 11 boards and went 5-6 from the line. Nick Whittick was a perfect 2-2 from deep and had seven points.
“I thought our defense was a bit timid in the first half,” said Allen head coach Andy Shaw. “I’m just really proud of these guys. We shot a lot better in the second half and knew we would.”
With the win, Allen clinched the top seed in the KJCCC playoffs and at least a share of the conference title. If Allen wins on Thursday at Johnson County, the Red Devils will win the conference outright for the first time since 1989. The Red Devils are 23-5 this season.
