Bucs Drop ACCC Game at Gadsden State

GADSDEN -  The Shelton State Community College men's basketball team dropped a 96-85 decision at Gadsden State at the historic Beck Field House.

The game was played at a frenetic pace and featured 12 lead changes and eight ties.

Despite the loss, the Bucs (16-5, 3-2 ACCC) remain in four-way tie for first place in the league standings. Shelton State, Wallace Hanceville, Gadsden State, and Calhoun are all 3-2 in the ACCC.

Gadsden State (13-8, 3-2 ACCC) outscored the Bucs 15-4 in the final 2:44 to win the game.

The second half was a back-and-forth affair until the Cardinals took control in the final three minutes.

Gadsden State made 21-of-30 (.700) free throws in the game, compared to 9-for-20 (.450) for the Bucs. The Cardinals made more foul shots than the Bucs attempted.

Shelton State started fast by making its first five shots to grab a 16-6 lead through the first four minutes of the game.  Gadsden State, aided by a 9-1 run, pulled to within 30-28 with 7:33 left in the half.

The Bucs fired back with a 7-0 run to take a 37-28 lead. Gadsden answered back to take the first lead 39-37. Shelton State closed the half with a 10-4 run to take a 47-42 halftime lead.

Both teams had four players in double-figures. Sophomore Shah Hall (Hillcrest HS) led the Bucs with 16 points and 10 rebounds, his first double-double of the season.

Freshman Rodwick Jackson (Houston Academy) added 15 points and 10 rebounds for his second straight double double.

Sophomore Marchello Perkins (Paul W. Bryant HS) and freshman Anderson Wilkin (Northridge HS) both had 13 points. Wilkin posted his ninth double-figure game, while Perkins had his eighth.

Gadsden had three players with 20 points, including Julien Barnette (24), Julius Winston (22), and Jayden Parks (20). Jaedin Reyna added 10 points for the Cardinals.

Shelton State will host Coastal Alabama South on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m.