Men's Basketball Falls Short to USJ in Semifinals, 94-79

- PAXTON, MASS: The Anna Maria men's basketball team fell this evening in the GNAC semifinals against the number one seed Saint Joseph's (Conn.) to end their season one game away from the finals.

 THE BASICS:

- Date: 2/28/2020

- Score: USJ 94, Anna Maria 79

- Records: USJ (25-2), Anna Maria (11-16)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

-  After two quick lead changes, the AMCATS took control of the opening half for the first 18 minutes, in which they reached a 12-points lead. However, they did stall at 39 points for just over two minutes which gave the Blue Jays plenty of time to close the gap. With 2:07 left St. Joe's took their second lead of the half and were able to bring that into the locker room up just one, 47-46.

-  Bobby Perette (Marshfield, MA) was lights out in the first half as he picked up a game high 20 points after going 5-of-8 from behind the 3-pt line. USJ's Delshawn Jackson lead the way for their squad with 14 points.

-  When play resumed it continued to be a back a forth battle for the first five minutes of the half with another two lead changes and the AMCATS keeping it within just two points.

- With just 15 minutes left the Blue Jays found their rhythm that they have had all season long and extended their lead. It quickly jumped to an 11-point deficit for Anna Maria that grew to 15 points with just a few minutes to go.   

- Mike Rapoza (Charlton, MA) led the 'CATS in the second with 10 points. Jackson finished again with the team high in points with 13.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS: 

-  Jackson ended with a team high 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.

-  Jaecee Martin completed a double-double for the Blue Jays with 16 points and 12 assists.

- Perette ended his collegiate career with a team high 27 points and 2 rebounds.

- Rapoza tallied 20 points of his own along with 14 rebounds and 7 blocks.

UP NEXT:

- Anna Maria returns home for the offseason and will continue to grow and get better as a program moving into the 2020-2021 season.

STAY CONNECTED:

- For the latest on Anna Maria College Athletics, follow the AMCATS via social media on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.