The Anoka-Ramsey Community College Men's Basketball team shot 57.4 percent for the game to defeat St. Cloud Technical and Community College 81-79 on Saturday afternoon in St. Cloud.
The win puts the Golden Rams at 2-0 in MCAC Southern Division play.
Along with the high shooting percentage, Anoka-Ramsey was able to hold SCTCC to just 40.5 percent shooting from the field, however the Cyclones attempted 20 more field goals thanks in part to 17 offensive rebounds; 13 of which came in the first half.
It was an evenly matched game throughout with neither team leading by more than six during the first half.
The Golden Rams took a five point lead at 20-15 after a three-point field goal by Chris Byrgiotis with 13:29 to play in the first half.
The Cyclones responded and took a 23-22 lead with just under ten minutes to play, and again at 25-24 with 9:32 left.
But two field goals by Robert Ben sandwiched around a layup by Jerry Butler put Anoka-Ramsey back up five, 30-25.
The Golden Ram lead extended to six, 33-27 following a three-point play by Trenton Pollard at the 6:35 mark.
Anoka-Ramsey would maintain the lead until 1:46 to play when a Cyclone layup tied the score at 43 apiece, and the teams would enter the break knotted up at 47-47.
The Golden Rams connected on 20 of 29 field goals for 69 percent in the opening period.
The second half would play out much like the first.
A three-pointer by Tyler Matsen gave Anoka-Ramsey a 63-57 lead with 13:05 to play, and the lead would reach seven 66-59 with 11:45 left.
The Golden Rams would still lead by six with 7:41 to play before the Cyclones would make their run.
Over the next three and a half minutes, the Cyclones would put together a 7-1 run to tie the score at 71 with 3:18 to play.
Kashif Hayes connected on a three-pointer to put the Golden Rams back on top.
A layup by SCTCC, two free throws from Pollard, followed by two Cyclone free throws would cut the Golden Ram lead to one with 1:50 left.
With 49 seconds to play, and a one-point lead, the Golden Rams would commit a turnover that led to a foul in transition putting the Cyclones at the line for two shots, which they would convert to give them a one point lead.
Pollard was fouled on the ensuing possessions and would connect on both of his free throws to regain the lead for the Golden Rams with 30 seconds left.
Anoka-Ramsey would come up with their biggest defensive stop of the game on a rebound by Chris Byrgiotis with seven seconds left. He would be fouled and knock down both foul shots for a three point lead.
The Golden Rams would foul with just under three seconds to play, putting the Cyclones at the line for a one-and-one down by three.
After making both free throws, SCTCC would foul on the ensuring inbounds but the Golden Rams missed both foul shots.
SCTCC called timeout after the second missed free throw and had to go the length of the court with 1.7 seconds left. But the inbounds pass up the sideline sailed out of bounds giving possession back to the Golden Rams.
Pollard was fouled on the inbound and made the first but missed the second free throw. SCTCC was out of timeouts and could only put up a full-court heave that was off the mark.
The Golden Rams had all five starters reach double figures in scoring with Pollard leading the way with 19 points, making 9 of 12 free throws.
Justin Casey scored 15 points on 7 of 9 shooting to go with nine rebounds.
Robert Ben scored 13 points on 6 of 8 shooting.
Brandon Hixson and Byrgiotis scored 11 apiece with Hixson also hauling in nine rebounds.
Anoka-Ramsey hosts their first MCAC Southern Division game of the season on Wednesday, January 14 at 8pm vs. Minnesota West.
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