Saturday. January 6, 2024
Record: 12-3
Missing several regular players, the JV Boys Basketball team clawed and scratched their way to an overtime victory. The Dons defeated the Washington Huskies 59-57. The JV team improved to 12 and 3 for the season.
Going into the game, the Dons felt this game of their current three game homestand would be the easiest. It was not. Acalanes committed 32 turnovers which gave the Huskies ample opportunity to stay in the game and possibly win. Yet, the Dons shot 54% from beyond the arc (3 pointers), and Arman Craig’s overtime performance allowed the Dons to capture their first 2024 victory.
The game started out promising for the Dons, two three pointers from Julian Hood, and a three pointer from AJ Hastings gave the Dons a five-point lead. Yet, the 2nd quarter is when Acalanes started to turn the ball over on a regular basis. The home team, missing it’s point guard Chase Bahou, turned the ball over ten times. Josh Elert scored 6 points inside the paint to keep the Dons ahead. At halftime, Dons led 24 to 21.
The third quarter sadly mirrored the second quarter. The Dons again turned over the ball ten times, but this time, Washington used Acalanes’ sloppy play to their advantage. Washington scored 17 points while the Dons managed 13 points. Julian, who scored a season high 20 points, led Acalanes in this quarter with two three pointers. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Huskies now lead by four points.
The fourth quarter and overtime brought the best out of the Dons. The Dons stopped turning the ball over and would not let Washington win. With a few seconds remaining, Julian hit a beautiful three pointer to send the game into overtime. Overtime belonged to Arman Craig. Arman and the Dons raced out to 55-49 advantage. But the Huskies answered with a mini run to tie the game. Arman, who scored 8 points in the quarter, finally lifted the Dons to a 59-57 victory.
Arman Craig had this to say about the thrilling win: “Julian saved us with his 3 pointer at the end of the 4th. Then we were able to pull off a win in overtime.”
The JV Basketball team’s next game is on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at home. Acalanes plays powerhouse Clayton Valley Charter. Tipoff is at 6:00pm. Go Dons!
