Bucs Comeback Falls Short in ACCC Title Game

TALLADEGA - The Shelton State Community College men's basketball team's furious second-half comeback fell three points short in a 71-68 loss to Bishop State in the 2026 ACCC Tournament Championship Game.

Trailing by 19 at halftime, Shelton State outscored Bishop State 45-29 in the second half and had a chance to send the game into overtime on the final possession. 

"I'm extremely proud of the fight our guys showed in second to get us back in the game," head coach Joe Eatmon said. "They showed true character and determination. If we make a few more free throws throughout the game it's a different ball game."

The Bucs trailed 71-68 with seven seconds left and went the length of the floor, but freshman guard T.J Pruitt's three-pointer was off the mark as time expired.

"The last possession we got a good look from TJ," head coach Joe Eatmon said. "I think he rushed it a little but that's a big shot for a freshman to take."

Pruitt finished with 12 points. 

Sophomore guard DJ Hammett and freshman guard Fred Derrick almost pulled off the comeback. 

The duo combined for 29 of team's 45 second half points. 

"Hamlett and Derrick were tough in the second half," Eatmon said. (They were) scoring at all three levels to get us back in the game. Those guys are really good guards and they stepped up big for us today."

Hamlett was the early spark, scoring the Bucs first 10 points after halftime. He scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half.

Derrick fueled the fire late, scoring all 11 of his second half points in the final seven minutes. He finished with 14 points. 

For their efforts, Hamlett and Derrick were both ACCC All-Tournament Team selections.

Shelton State (25-7) scored the game's first five points and led 9-8 with 14:40 left in the first half.

Bishop State (17-15) came out of the media timeout and scored the next 18 points to take 26-9 lead.

The Wildcats led 42-23 at halftime.