Yellow Jackets Stumble in HCAC Contest with Anderson

DEFIANCE, Ohio – Offensive struggles sting Yellow Jackets in Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference action with Anderson on Saturday evening at the Karl H. Weaner Center, 99-78.

The Purple and Gold (3-9 overall, 2-3 HCAC) were led in the contest by junior Randall Aikins Jr. tying a season-best 21 points, including four assists. Freshman Demoines Whitney added 14 points for DC, while freshman Kiewuan Graham and freshman Avion Franklin chipped in 10 points apiece.

Anderson jumped ahead early in the opening half using a 12 point scoring surge to claim the 12-6 advantage just three minutes into the contest. The Raven assault continued as another 8-0 run pushed the lead with 12:29 to play, 22-10. The Yellow Jackets looked to get something going as Whitney connected for back-to-back scores in the paint cutting the deficit to 26-16.

However, the Black and Orange continued to dominate on the offensive side of the ball as a three-pointer with 7:15 remaining gave Anderson its largest lead of the half, 34-20. The two teams continued to exchange scores for much of the remaining half before a layup by Aikins and a deep ball by Graham cut the deficit to 49-36 at the break.

The Ravens picked up right where they left off in the second half dominating on the offensive side of the ball using a 5-0 run with 15:54 remaining to claim the 62-38 advantage. The DC struggles continued for much of the second half before a jumper in the paint with 12:53 remaining by junior Jovon Thomason ended a two and a half minute drought for the Purple and Gold, 71-42. After another Ravens run, Aikins looked to break the Anderson onset as a steal and free throw pulled them within 81-53. The Purple and Gold continued to rally as Whitney and Wheeler found back-to-back scores down low to cut the deficit to 81-58.

However, DC was unable to find any flow as the hot shooting for Anderson continued late into the second half as the Ravens matched Defiance score for score capturing the 92-66 lead with 4:28 to play. The Black and Orange finished the contest shooting 38-for-62 (61.3%) from the floor en route to the 98-78 victory.

Defiance returns to action Saturday, January 6 as they travel to Lexington, Ky. To square off with HCAC opponent Transylvania. Tip-off is set for 3:00 p.m.