The Holland College Hurricanes dug themselves a deep hole early Sunday, but were able to battle back to defeat the Mount Allison Mounties 69-68 in Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association basketball in Sackville, N.B.
The Hurricanes were down 14 late in the first quarter but were able to cut the deficit to seven at the half. They were ahead 56-55 heading to the fourth quarter and held on for the one-point victory.
“It’s a huge win,” said coach George Morrison.
He said the road win improved the Hurricanes to 2-0 against the Mounties, which would give them a tie-breaking advantage at the end of the season, if needed.
“We were down so big and we kind of regrouped and battled back, so all of these things really make it a very satisfying win.”
Chase Bowden led Holland College with 16 while Leo Morris added 14.
Ben Chisholm led the Mounties with 22 points while Brandon Malally added 13.
Holland College allowed 40 points in the first half compared to 28 in the final two quarters.
“We picked up the defensive intensity in the second half,” Morrison said.
The victory was the second in as many days for the country’s 10th-ranked men’s team, who defeated the Crandall Chargers 95-59 Saturday at home. The victory avenged an 86-80 loss Nov. 14 to the country’s 13th-ranked Chargers.
“We knew we had to play solid on both sides of the ball to win that game,” Morrison said. “We certainly thought we could, but don’t suspect anybody thought it was going to end up with a spread like that.”
Saturday’s loss was the first of the season for the Chargers (5-1).
Holland College led by five after one, 17 at the half and 30 going to the fourth.
“I couldn’t be more pleased to head into the break 7-1,” Morrison said.
Women
Christina Medley scored 26 points to lead the Hurricanes to an 80-74 victory Sunday over the Mounties.
Steph Hiltz added 14 points in the victory for the 6-2 Hurricanes, who also swept their weekend games.
Mackenzie Gray led Mount Allison with 27 points while Kayla Robichaud added 11.
The Hurricanes led 18-15 after the first quarter and maintain the lead the rest of the game.
Holland College defeated the Chargers 86-58 Saturday.
The Hurricanes had a 14-point advantage after the first and second quarters and went to the fourth up 71-41 against the 1-4 Chargers.
