The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team split their two weekend road games on Friday and Saturday, first falling 81-79 to Central Lakes, then posting a 74-47 victory over Fond du Lac.
Against Central Lakes, first half turnovers and second half defensive lapses were too much to overcome.
The Golden Rams committed 15 turnovers in the first half before settling down and only turning the ball over four times in the second half. Despite all the turnovers, Central Lakes only lead 37-33 at the break.
The tough defense that allowed Anoka-Ramsey to remain close in the first half faltered in the second half as Central Lakes was able to build an early 11 point lead 54-43.
Trailing by ten with four minutes left, Anoka-Ramsey was able to get some key defensive stops, and hit some big shots to cut the deficit to two with 20 seconds left.
After a timeout, the Golden Rams were not able to get a clear look and missed a contested three-point shot with about five seconds remaining to drop their first game of the season.
The Golden Rams shot 50.8% for the game but allowed Central Lakes to shoot 51.6% including 63.3% in the second half alone.
Montez Wilkerson led Anoka-Ramsey with 18 points, followed by Lucas Barraud with 16, Joe Lyons with 13, and Jon Conner with 11.
On Saturday, Anoka-Ramsey bounced back in a big way against Fond du Lac, primarily on the defensive end.
After trailing 3-0 to start the game, the Golden Rams took control from there, forcing Fond du Lac into just 24.2% shooting in the half including 2-15 from the three-point line to take a 38-23 lead into halftime.
The inside play of the Golden Rams was too much for Fond du Lac as big men Henry Breedlove, Blake Williams, and Matt Lanier either scored or were fouled near the basket.
The second half was more of the same as Anoka-Ramsey held Fond du Lac to just three points and one field goal in the first 11 minutes of the half in building a 64-29 lead with six minutes remaining.
The Golden Rams shot 42.9% for the game and held Fond du Lac to 27 percent. Anoka-Ramsey held a 56-36 edge in rebounds and made 18 free throws to Fond du Lac's eight.
Breedlove led the way with 13 points and nine rebounds. Williams scored ten points and had seven rebounds. Lanier chipped in with nine points on 3-5 shooting and 3-3 from the free throw line.
The Golden Rams are now 5-1 on the season.
Next, Anoka-Ramsey travels to St. Paul to face Dakota County Technical College on Wednesday, December 5th at 7:00pm at the St. Paul Salvation Army.
That game is followed by two home games on Friday, December 7th at 8:00pm against nationally ranked Vermilion, then Mesabi Range on Saturday at 3:00pm.