Raptors Hold On to Win 7th Straight

The Montgomery College Raptors faced off against Hagerstown Community College in a highly competitive matchup. Hagerstown struck first with Mateusz Szpin scoring a jump shot after securing an offensive rebound. Montgomery responded quickly, with Tristan Cook driving to the basket and tying the game at 2-2. The game remained close, with multiple turnovers and missed shots from both sides. However, Hagerstown's strong defensive presence, highlighted by steals from Deondre Mitchell and blocks from Najeh Allen, allowed them to gain an early edge.

By the 14:47 mark, Hagerstown extended their lead to 9-4 after a three-pointer from Mitchell. Montgomery attempted to fight back with Jordan Alphonso hitting consecutive jump shots, cutting the deficit to 11-8. Despite their efforts, Hagerstown capitalized on Montgomery's turnovers, with Cook and Mason Sword converting key fast-break opportunities. A full timeout was called by Montgomery at 14:24 as they trailed 11-4, looking to reset their offensive strategy.

Then, In an intense second half, Montgomery College  mounted a strong comeback to secure a hard-fought victory over Hagerstown Community College.

The second half started with Montgomery College behind 47-38, but they quickly gained momentum on Christopher Levy's three-pointer, thanks to an assist by Isaiah Gill, to put them down only six. Hagerstown did not capitalize well on their opportunities as they missed a number of layups and jump shots. That was capitalized on by Montgomery College as a layup from Mateusz Szpin, assisted by Ibrahim Abdulmateen, cut the deficit even further.

Isaiah Gill then nailed another three-pointer off an assist from Levy to pull the deficit back to one at 47-46. After a couple of possessions of cat-and-mouse, Montgomery College's surge saw them even up the score with another Gill three-pointer at 49-49. Hagerstown tried to answer as Najeh Allen drilled a three to put them back ahead 52-49, but Szpin answered with a dunk and followed that with the first of what would be many crucial free throws to tie it at 52-52.

The back-and-forth lead continued as Montgomery College's Jordan Alphonso tied it at 54-54 on a layup. A minute later the layup by Gill gave Montgomery College a 56-54 lead. Hagerstown tied the score again before Montgomery College's Christopher Levy took over with a key dunk and free throw to give his team the lead 61-59.

Two clutch free throws by Abdulmateen extended the lead to 63-59. Franklin Ayissi-Etoh nailed a three-pointer, pushing the score to 66-61. Despite Hagerstown's efforts, including a late jumper from Tristan Cook, Montgomery College remained in control. Levy and Dokum contributed key baskets down the stretch, sealing the game.

In the end, it was strong defensive play, key rebounds, and efficient scoring at clutch moments for Montgomery College to pull out this nail-biter and complete a well-deserved comeback against Hagerstown Community College.