Published: February 25, 2008 10:39 am         

ACM holds off Cecil

Trojans to play Garrett for JUCO title tonight

ARNOLD - Four Allegany College of Maryland players scored in double figures as the second-seeded Trojans and Cecil took turns going on scoring runs as Allegany advanced to the finals of the Maryland JUCO Tournament with a 61-48 win.

Jasmine Blanks led the Trojans with 15 points, and also had three assists and two steals. Melissa Ford finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three steals. Former Times-News Player of the Year Kacey Kahl had 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Lindsey Holliday totaled 10 points.

The game started off with Cecil, the No. 3 seed, taking a 6-2 lead, but Allegany went on a 23-3 run to take a commanding 25-9 lead with five minutes to play. The Seahawks then went on a 9-0 run to end the half.

Cecil worked its way back in the second half, and actually took a 41-40 lead with 6:45 left. Allegany, though, finished the game on a 21-7 run.

"It was an extremely physical game on both ends of the floor," said ACM head coach Jerry Rice, pointing out the 60 total free throws between the teams.

"Going back-and-forth with the score like we did could have allowed the girls to slip, but I'm proud that we maintained our composure and shut them down when we had to."

No. 4 Garrett College defeated No. 1 Hagerstown 59-42 to set up a rematch with the Trojans. The teams will meet tonight at 7 p.m. at Anne Arundel. Allegany beat the Lakers 77-58 on Jan. 28.

"We entered this tournament with the purpose of making this a three-game set for us, and I'm glad the girls will have the opportunity to play for a championship," added Rice.

Allegany moves to 26-1.