Recap: Double-Digit Lead Slips Away In Loss To Cougars

BLACKWOOD, NJ - The men's basketball team let a double-digit lead slip away in the second half as the host Cougars of Camden County College rallied for an 81-72 win over the Mustangs in Region XIX action Tuesday evening.

It was the third straight setback for the Mustangs and fourth in the team's last five games.

"We played well in spurts tonight, but bad shots and too many unforced turnovers took us out of the game," said Head Men's Basketball Coach Denny Surovec. "Poor offensive decisions continue to be our downfall."

Surovec's team led by as many as 11 points in the first half and held a 36-30 advantage at halftime. The Mustangs extended their lead to 11 again with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately, they let the lead evaporate.

Poor decisions on offense coupled with 30 turnovers allowed the home Cougars escape with the victory.

Montgomery converted just over 32 percent of its field goal attempts, including 4 of 15 from beyond the arc.

All five starters scored in double figures, with Kevin Woods leading the way with 20 points and 5 steals. Anthony Patterson continued his steady play with 12 points, 7 steals and 6 rebounds. Nicko Balis and Kanen Horton added 12 points apiece, with Horton adding 7 boards. Jalil Shafi finished with 11 points and grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds.

The loss drops Montgomery to 2-6 in Region XIX, while Camden County College improves to 4-3 in region play.

The Mustangs are back in action Thursday when they host Division II Valley Forge Military College in an 8 pm tip-off.

- By Bob Kent, Sports Information Director