Published: February 13, 2008 09:41 am         

Cecil takes down Garrett College, 86-73

MCHENRY - Top-ranked and hot-shooting Cecil Community College held off a late rally by Garrett to remain undefeated by beating the Lakers in their Maryland JUCO game.

Rob Lowery scored 28 points, and Antonio Heymen added 18 for Cecil, ranked No. 1 in the latest NJCAA Division II national poll. Jabari Whitehead added 14 points, but the team's leading scorer, Kevin Palmer, was limited to just seven points by the Garrett defense.

"I thought we played pretty well in the first half, and for all but a stretch in the second half," said Garrett head coach Dennis Gibson.

"They shot unbelievably early on, including four big threes, that got us to the halftime deficit. They were taking shots as far away from the basket as we could get them, but they were still making them."

The Lakers placed four scorers in double figures with Dale Taylor leading the way with 16 points. Reco Siler had 15 points and four steals, Glen Izevbigie added 11 points and Shawn Greenfield had a strong all-around game with 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

After trailing by 14 at halftime, the Lakers fell as far back as 25 before getting to within 70-59 with 4:45 to play. Garrett had three straight chances to get closer, but Cecil scored after the third missed opportunity and wouldn't allow Garrett to get as close again.

"They are one of the best teams I've played against," said Gibson of Cecil. "I've played against bigger teams size-wise, but they are extremely athletic, and can just shoot the lights out."

Garrett (16-8, 10-6 Maryland JUCO) plays at Montgomery-Germantown tonight at 7 o'clock.