2/20/2010 - Roadrunners 72, Lon Morris 57

AC head coach Todd Neighbors called Saturday’s win over Lon Morris “the biggest win of our season.”

That wasn’t hyperbole sprung from seeing his team snap a three-game losing streak; that was Neighbors acknowledging that his Roadrunners were back in position to earn a post-season berth in the upcoming tournament.

“The conference season is such a grind, especially for these younger players,” Neighbors said. “We were looking at films of when we first came out of the holiday break compared to these last three losses, and even the players could see the difference in the energy level. It’s been decreasing week-by-week.

“They noticed that, and they came out tonight with great energy and intensity, and played one of their best games in a long time.”

Trent Brantley led the ‘Runners with 22 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Adrick McKinney bulled his way to 15 points and Takoby Jackson and Travis Smith added 10 each for AC, now 15-12, 9-7 on the season.

Jorge Redmon led Lon Morris with 26 points, and Joel Gierbolini finished with 10 as the Bearcats fell to 14-13, 6-10.

McKinney and Brantley combined for 14 points of a 19-2 run to close out the first half and put the Roadrunners in control. If there were still any doubts about it being AC’s night, ‘Runners Travis Smith and Takoby Jackson put them to rest with a pair of crazy three-pointers. Smith heaved a one-hander from the midcourt stripe to beat a shot-clock violation, his shot rattling in for a 13-point AC lead; and Jackson bounced a three-point attempt straight up off the back of the rim, only to see it drop straight down through the nets.

The win moves the Roadrunners to within striking distance of zone-leading San Jacinto, AC’s next opponent. The ‘Runners will travel to Pasadena to take on the Ravens at 7:30 p.m.

Audio/video web casting will be available on www.angelina.edu. Click on the “Athletics” link to view and listen.