Published: January 29, 2008 11:40 am         

ACM stops Garrett, 77-58

MCHENRY - Allegany College of Maryland and its top-ranked defensive piled up its 12th consecutive win Monday evening as the Trojans won the battle of two, one-loss teams with a 77-58 win over Maryland JUCO rival Garrett College.

The Trojans entered the contest with the Lakers allowing a 43.73 points per game, the lowest in the country for all Division II teams. The only time Garrett had scored less than 58 points was in its only other loss, a 61-50 decision to Cecil CC.

Melissa Ford scored 18 points to set the pace for the Trojans. She also added nine rebounds, five steals and three assists. Jasmine Blanks and Lindsey Holliday each scored 17. Blanks had three assists and four steals, and Kacey Kahl pitched in 13 points and eight rebounds.

"It's always good to come on the road up here and get the win," said ACM's Jerry Rice.

"Both teams knew what was on the line in the conference by coming in tonight with only one loss each. I thought our girls really stepped up when Garrett put the pressure on us. Garrett is a very talented and physical team, but we responded well and won the match-ups on the boards."

Mindy Sharp scored 16 points for the Lakers, Blair Bradley scored 15 and Tanika Jeffers had nine.

Allegany (16-1, 8-1 JUCO) plays Harford at home on Wednesday. Garrett will play at Anne Arundel on Wednesday.