The Holland College Hurricanes took on the Crandall University Chargers for the final 2015 ACAA Men’s Basketball Championship held at UNB Saint John on Sunday March, 8th.
With the Hurricanes Women’s team winning the 2015 ACAA Championship title just an hour prior, the Men’s team was eager to bring home the banner as well.
Holland College lead the scoring early in the first quarter with huge crowd support, shaking the confidence of Crandall University.
The Hurricanes put up a phenomenal free throw average of 73.3% making 11 of 15 while the Chargers had made 7 of 11 free throws for 63.6%.
The Hurricanes DJ Wright two three point shots early in the game to build up the score as well in the first half.
Thomarcus Nix, and Dakeyo Downey tied for 6 defensive rebounds each in the first half, proving that the Chargers could lead a strong defensive game, but the Hurricanes still came out in front, 45-35 the head into the half.
After half time the Chargers had the strong start. Taking advantage of scoring opportunities, the Chargers made their way back into the game.
As the tension rose between both teams, players started to get aggressive.
Both teams fighting for every basket made it clear that they we’re beyond determined to win, playing even harder as the game went on.
During the third quarter the Hurricanes maintained their free throws 13 of 17 for 79.9% while the Chargers increased theirs to 10 of 15 for 66.7%.
The Hurricanes bench grew quiet as Crandall closed in, but with the Hurricanes quick ball movement the Chargers weren’t taking anything for granted.
As Crandall closed in, they tied it at 69-69 in the fourth quarter and shortly after Crandall took the lead.
As the intense match continued its quick pace back and fourth, Holland College once again took the lead 81-79 in the fourth quarter.
It didn’t take long for the Chargers to tie it up once again with a growing determination to take the game and sending the game in to over-time.
The next 5 minutes became a back and fourth match, and the crowd stood with anticipation and nervousness.
Holland College took the lead with 9 seconds to go in overtime and the Hurricane’s Eamon Morrissy put
back a free throw to give Holland College the win and the ACAA Championship 96-91.
Players of the game for Crandall University was #14 Dakeyo Downey, and for Holland College, #8 DJ Wright.
Both Holland College Women’s and Men’s Basketball teams will represent the ACAA at the nationals March 17th. The men will head to Hamilton, ON to play the top teams in Canada at Mohawk College.
