MACC GREYHOUNDS SEASON ENDS WITH LOSS AT HUTCH

#14 Greyhounds defeated by Connors State

The Moberly Area Community College Men's Basketball Team season ended with a 77-88 loss to Region 2 champ Connors State (OK.) in the round of 24 at the NJCAA National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. Connors State got off to a great start vs. the cold shooting Greyhounds and Moberly fell behind 13-32 before coming back to trail 29-43 at the half. Moberly stayed within striking distance the second half but could never get the lead below 8 points as Connors State fought off the rallies of the Hounds. Sophomore wing Akili Evans lead Moberly in scoring with 20 points, Freshman wing Javarius Moye had 16 points, Freshman post Cameron Williams posted 15 points and 10 rebounds while Soph. wing Freddie Cooper added 11 points. A major difference in the game was that Connors State shot 8 for 18 from three point range while Moberly finished 10 for 33 from behind the arc.

"A very disappointing end to a very successful season," said Coach Patrick Smith, "The 10 am start was the same for both teams and unfortunately they seemed to handle it better than we did. All day long we fought from behind vs. a really good Connors State Team and every time we made a dent in the lead, they seemed to have the answer. In the end, they played very well and we did not play one of our better games. However, I am so proud of how our player competed this game and throughout the year to become a very good basketball team. It never ends the way you want it too but after everything settles, you realize the type of season you enjoyed and are proud of the players who made it happen. I've always felt this; anytime you somehow get to Hutch it's a very satisfying season and you move onto the next chapter."

Moberly ended the season with a 25-9 record, the 8th straight 25 win season during full seasons of competition while winning their 5th Region 16 Title in the last 6 seasons and 3rd straight Regional Championship. They were also MCCAC Champs, Ranked #19 in final NJCAA Poll, received the first At Large berth ever for MACC and won the 8 team Highland (IL) Christmas Tournament.