The freshman Dons survived a late game-tying surge by the Padres to win 53-51.
Justice Hembrador got Acalanes going in the first quarter with five quick points, aided by assists from Bryce Mansour and Jon MacLeod and a made free throw for an and one. Bryce contributed two buckets and Jon one to end the first quarter 13-7.
The second quarter was a bit more challenging. The Dons committed multiple turnovers and fouls allowing the Padres to score on fast breaks in the paint and hit several from the line. Two 3 pointers by Kaya Wingate, a 3 by Bryce Mansour and scores from Jon MacLeod and Nolan Potts helped the Dons win the quarter 17-16, ending the half 30-23.
The third quarter was similar to the second, with Acalanes outscoring Serra 15-14. Points by Bryce, Justice and Sam Phillips helped keep them ahead despite more scores inside the key and free throws from the Padres. Ben Mickelson had a late quarter run hitting a 2 point shot clock buzzer beater from the top of the key, a 3 pointer from the corner and a free throw. The quarter ended Dons 45 Padres 37.
Acalanes maintained their lead in the fourth quarter with a 2 and a 3 from Justice Hembrador. With the clock at 3:24, the Padres went on a 7 point run leaving the game tied 51-51 at the 1:48 mark.
After multiple unsuccessful trips down the court by both teams, Ben Mickelson blocked a shot in the key, got the rebound and was fouled with 14.9 seconds. Luckily the Dons were in the bonus. Ben went 1-2, then collected another defensive rebound and a foul and went 1-2 again putting Acalanes up 53-51. With 4.7 left on the clock, the Padres had one more chance but missed a contested three pointer at the buzzer. Acalanes wins 53-51.
Justice Hembrador led the Dons with a whopping 16 points, followed by Bryce Mansour with 10 and Ben Mickelson with 9. Ben had 7 rebounds, Finn Rivera had 5 and both Sam Phillips and Caelan Augustine had 4. Finn also had 4 assists and 2 steals.
Next up the Dons take on the Washington Huskies from Fremont at home in a non league game on Saturday 1/6.
