It was a back and forth high level basketball game. In the first quarter Pittsburg slashed and cut inside and showed they could also hit the outside shot. The Dons were slow off the mark and down 8-18 at the end of the quarter. Scoring highlights included Bennett Dodge, Nathan Bennett, and Koleton Fenton scoring on free throws after getting fouled driving in the paint. Landon Santos made a jumper and Eli Brent hit Ethan Torres with a pass for a layup in the open court. The Dons were just getting started.
Being down 10 points did not deter Acalanes, but seemed to fuel them. The scoring started with Justin Zegarowski hitting a floater in the lane, followed by Eli Brent taking a charge under the basket, which took the ball out of the Pirate’s hands. Next, two possessions saw Bennett Dodge get fouled while making a spinning shot at the rim plus the extra point and then was fouled in the bonus making both free throws and then scored again on a put back on an offensive rebound. Tarin Krishnan threaded a pass to Koleton on a fast break for two points. Jack Bayless got in the act getting fouled on a drive to the basket and making one of two free throws, soon after Bayless received an assist from Dodge for two more points. The quarter ended with Dodge putting in another offensive rebound. All the while the Dons defense was picking up and beginning to fluster the Pirates. Dons went on to outscore Pittsburg in the quarter but still trailed 25-34.
The third quarter offense was one of the best of the year against a solid opponent. Jack Bayless, Landon Santos, Justin Zegarowski and Bennett Dodge did the scoring with assists from Levi Rudin running the point guard position. The Dons put up 24 points in the 3rd quarter to the Pirates 13 points. Ending with Acalanes in the lead 49-47! Highlights include Jack Bayless hitting two Eurostep drives weaving through his defenders and a third layup with 30 seconds left in the quarter to give Acalanes the lead. Santos hit two 3 pointers followed by a pull up jumper and scooping layup for 9 points in the quarter. The ever cool Zegarowski hit two technical free throws to further swing the momentum the Dons’ way.
There were lead changes galore in the 4th quarter. The Pirates were quick and athletic, but the Dons stayed disciplined and played team basketball on both ends holding off the Pirates’ attempts to stretch any lead. Bennett Dodge scored a put back at the rim for two points and Koleton Fenton was fouled and made both free throws. With 4:23 to go the score was tied 55-55. Jack Bayless hit a jumper for two points. Zegarowski hit a huge three pointer to give the Dons a two point lead with 3:58 left in the game. Soon after the Pirates hit a three and took the lead by one. Bayless was fouled driving to the basket and made one free throw to tie and one to take the lead. As it went the entire game the Pirates seemed to have an answer and made buckets themselves to take the lead back by three. Unfortunately for the Pirates, the Dons’ long range specialist, Landon Santos, hit a three pointer to tie the game yet again. The next possession the Dons ran the shot clock down and Coco Gannon hit Bayless on a drive to the basket for two points with the shot clock expiring and retaking the lead. Acalanes fans roared and the Pittsburg crowd became uncharacteristically quiet. Koleton Fenton made two clutch free throws extending the lead to three. The defense held strong and Justin Zegarowski was fouled and made both free throws for a final score of 70-67!
The game was decided on defense, and strong scoring, which included making 22 of 29 free throws. High Scorers were Jack Bayless (23) London Santos (15) Bennett Dodge (14) and Justin Zegarowski (9) and Koleton Fenton (6). Can’t wait to see what these boys are up to Tuesday on the road vs Oakland Tech. Go Dons!
