For the second time in December, the Acalanes Dons found themselves in a tightly contested game against Archie Williams—and for the second time, the margin was slim but the result went the other way. In Game 3 of the Bambauer Classic on Monday, December 29, Archie Williams pulled away late for a 64–51 win at Marin Catholic.
As in the first meeting, this one was competitive throughout, featured long stretches of strong basketball, and ultimately turned on execution in the final minutes.
Smart Adjustment, Big Start for Gavin Dodge
In the first matchup, Archie Williams had success limiting Gavin Dodge by assigning its best defender, Meezy Butler, a quicker and shorter matchup who disrupted Gavin’s rhythm.
This time, the Acalanes coaching staff adjusted—and it paid immediate dividends.
Rather than allowing Gavin to be neutralized on the perimeter, the Dons went right to him in the post, where size and strength mattered. Gavin responded with authority, scoring 10 points in the first quarter, repeatedly finishing inside and setting the tone offensively.
That strong start helped Acalanes hang tough early, and by the end of the first quarter the Dons trailed just 18–16.
A Complete Night from Gavin Dodge
Gavin wasn’t done.
In the second half, he expanded his impact beyond the paint—knocking down a key three-pointer, stepping confidently to the line to make two critical free throws, and continuing to clean up on the glass.
By night’s end, Gavin finished with a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double, once again carrying a heavy load offensively while battling inside against a physical Archie Williams frontcourt. It was a complete performance and another reminder of his versatility.
Preston Hilsabeck: Defense, Rebounds, and Toughness
Once again, Preston Hilsabeck was asked to take on a difficult defensive assignment—and once again, he delivered.
Preston finished with 10 rebounds and 4 points, but his biggest impact came on the defensive end. Tasked with guarding Archie Williams’ center, he battled all night against an opponent with a highly effective—but unconventional—“shot-put” style finish near the basket. It’s not something most coaches would teach, but it works—and Preston made every touch difficult.
His physicality, positioning, and rebounding kept the Dons competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
Key Contributions Around the Floor
Julian Hood was a steady presence, knocking down two three-pointers as part of an 11-point night. His shot-making helped keep the floor spaced and allowed Acalanes to respond each time Archie threatened to pull away.
A.J. Hastings added 7 points and several assists, continuing to provide playmaking and energy, while Bryce Mansour contributed a key left-handed drive that briefly tied the game in the second half.
At halftime, the teams were deadlocked at 29–29, setting the stage for another close finish.
Late Separation
The game remained tight through much of the third quarter before a lengthy stoppage disrupted momentum. After play resumed, Archie Williams found a rhythm from beyond the arc, with multiple three-pointers creating separation.
Acalanes continued to fight—cutting the deficit to single digits more than once—but the Dons were unable to string together enough stops late. Gavin eventually fouled out, and Archie closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the 64–51 result.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the Dons showed growth—particularly in the early adjustment that freed Gavin offensively and the continued toughness on the glass.
The Bambauer Classic finale is still ahead, with Acalanes back on the floor Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. looking to close the tournament on a strong note.
Another opportunity. Another test.
Go Dons.
