The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team advanced to the semifinals of the MCAC State Tournament with a 70-68 victory over Vermilion Community College on Friday evening.
After overcoming a slow start, the Golden Rams were able to carry a 40-34 lead into the break behind a renewed defensive effort.
Vermilion scored 12 points on their first five possessions to take an early 12-5 lead before the Golden Rams chipped away to take the lead.
The Golden Rams' lead extended to eight early in the second half, but a quick run by Vermilion with two threes brought it back to a one possession game where it remained for much of the half.
Neither team was able to take command as the lead exchanged hands multiple times in the second half. Anoka-Ramsey was able to fend off Vermilion thanks to some timely free throws and offensive rebounds.
With the Golden Rams leading by two with nine seconds to play, Dan Konz stepped to the line for a one-and-one. Konz missed the front end, but Richard Harmon kept the ball alive, and the Golden Rams came away with possession, eventually sending Trey Scott to the line with 3.9 seconds remaining.
Scott knocked down both free throws to preserve the win as Vermilion managed a layup with time expiring.
Defense was again the key for the Golden Rams as they limited Vermilion to just 40.3% shooting, including 35.7% in the second half, and only 5 of 16 (31.3%) from the three-point line. Vermilion entered the game shooting 40% from three as a team for the season.
Rebounding also played a huge role as the Golden Rams won the battle of the boards 50-28 by pulling down 23 offensive rebounds and limiting Vermilion to just ten.
Matt Fridberg led the way inside for the Golden Rams with 18 points and nine rebounds, eight of them on the offensive end.
Richard Harmon recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, six offensive.
Trey Scott had 11 points and five rebounds, Dan Konz chipped in nine points and six rebounds, and Tim Daniels had six points and eight rebounds.
The Golden Rams will face Southern Division foe Central Lakes College at 3:00pm on Saturday in the semifinals of the MCAC State Tournament on the campus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The two teams split their regular season matchups.
The other semifinal will feature Rochester versus Northland at 1:00pm.
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