The Apaches remain in a tie atop the ACCAC standing after an exciting game against the South Mountain Cougars. With the Apaches leading 81-78, South Mountain’s Connor MacDougall was able to get a shot at the basket, plus the foul, and connect on the free throw, evening the score at 81 apiece. The Apaches had 31 seconds to work with at the end of regulation, but Arell Hennings’ 3-point attempt hit off the front of the rim, sending the game into overtime.
At the start of overtime, the Cougars went on a quick 5-0 run and took the lead 86-81. However, late in the overtime, Hennings had back-to-back 3-pointers find the bottom of the net, and two clutch free throws by Chaz Mack sealed the game in the final seconds. The Apaches connected on a season-high 17 3-point baskets. Hennings led the way with 26 points, making seven of his 14 3-point attempts and also dishing out four assists.
Jeff Long came up huge off the bench with 22 points, making six 3-point baskets, handing out seven assists and grabbing eight rebounds. Dallas Polk-Hilliard added a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
The showdown with Phoenix College, at the Bear’s Den on Wednesday, is the ACCACC game of the week and is for sole possession of first place. Both teams sit at 14-5 in conference play with 3 games remaining. “We control our fate. If we win out, we will win the ACCAC,” said Head Coach Jerry Carrillo. The game will tip off Wednesday at 7:30 PM in downtown Phoenix.