Pinsonault leads AMCATS past Lions in overtime victory

QUINCY, MA--Anna Maria College senior Chris Pinsonault scored 10 of his 34 points in overtime to lead the AMCATS past the hosting Eastern Nazarene College Lions, 100-96, in Saturday night's The Commonwealth Coast Conference men's basketball thriller.

Eastern Nazarene raced out of the gates to a 17-4 lead over the first five minutes and looked to be in complete control. Back to back jumpers by Anna Maria's Junior De La Hoz sparked a 9-2 run for the AMCATS and drew the game close at 19-13. With just under 8 minutes to play in the opening half, a Pinsonault three pointer game Anna Maria its first lead of the game 27-26. Anna Maria carried its momentum into the locker room with a hard earned 9 point lead in hand.

Eastern Nazarene trailed for the first 15 minutes of the second half before a three ball by sophomore Max Barbosa pulled the Lions into a 77-all tie. With just 1:04 remaining, Barbosa struck again from three point range to give the Lions their first lead in more than 28 minutes. With 42 seconds remaining and a one point lead, Eastern Nazarene's John Cramer picked off a long pass and headed down court where he dished to senior DeAngelo Alston for a lay up. The game appeared to be sealed up but Pinsonault came through in the clutch hitting a three pointer from the corner to tie it up at 87.

In overtime, the Lions held close but Pinsonault's ten points were enough to send Anna Maria home with the victory.

The win improves Anna Maria to 12-7 on the year and 5-1 in TCCC play while the loss drops the Lions to 6-12 and 2-5 in conference play.

Alston led the Lions in scoring with 26 while he lead all players in assists with 9. Freshman John Flakes scored 20 points and pulled in a game high 14 rebounds for his seventh double-double  of the season. Barbosa finished with 16 while senior Jonathan Atwater scored 11 on 4-7 shooting.

For the AMCATS, Anthony Click and Derek Johnson registered double-doubles. Click tallied 16 points and 10 boards while Johnson finished with 10 and 12.

The Lions will get back on the court Wednesday as they travel to Western New England College for a 5:50 pm matchup. Anna Maria will look to continue its conference success on Wednesday as well as the AMCATS host TCCC opponent Nichols College at 8 pm.

Release Courtesy of Eastern Nazanrene Sports Information

Photo Courtesy of Amanda LeBoeuf for AMC Sports Information