The Allen Men’s Basketball team survived a late push from Northwest Tech Wednesday evening to earn their 4th conference win of the season 85-83. Allen got off to a good start leading 10-2 in the early going. Both teams would go on big runs throughout the game. Perry Carroll got off to a great start as he had 12 points in the first half of play. Northwest Tech would key in on him and tried to force the ball out of his hands for the rest of the game. The Red Devils would take a 6 point lead into the halftime break.
In the early going of the second half it was all Red Devils. Allen quickly extended their lead beyond double digits, and led by as many as 14 points in the second half. The Mavericks did not fold, as #1 Chris Freeman got going and had a big second half with 18 points in the half. #10 Henry Hampton also played big for the Mavericks as he was able to make big shots to keep the contest close. Late in the game the Mavericks came back and took a 1 point lead on a 4 point play from Freeman. Fortunately, the Red Devils would quickly regain the lead on an old fashioned 3 point play by Darius Love.
The teams traded baskets late, and the Red Devils held a 2 point lead with just over 30 seconds remaining. Hampton drove quickly and scored for the Mavericks to tie the score at 83-83. The Red Devils got the ball to Perry Carroll and Northwest Tech trapped Carroll and forced a jump ball with 12 seconds remaining. Luckily the Red Devils had possession and called timeout to set up the final play. Darius Love was able to break free and drove the lane and dished to Malik Hardmon, and Hardmon was fouled with 4 seconds remaining. Hardmon sank both free-throws to give Allen a 2 point advantage. Northwest Tech’s final heave missed and Allen earned a hard fought win.
Darius Love led the way in scoring with 19 points. Perry Carroll and Trez Hankins each scored 17 points. Hankins went 5 of 8 from the 3 point line and Carroll dished out 7 assists. Malik Hardmon scored 13 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Wesley Anderson Jr. scored 11 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
This win moves the Red Devils to 12-4 on the season, and 4-3 in KJCCC play. Allen will now travel to Great Bend to take on Barton Saturday evening.