Rochester Community and Technical College, ranked No. 1 in the nation in Division III men's junior college basketball, closed its regular season with a 73-64 home loss to Anoka-Ramsey on Saturday.
The loss was just the second of the season for the Yellowjackets, who will enter postseason play 25-2. The setback also cost RCTC sole possession of a Southern Division title in the MCAC. RCTC and Central Lakes both finish league play 10-2.
"Overall it was a disappointing way to end the year," RCTC coach Brian LaPlante said.
Trey Scott, who averages 22 points a game, poured in 34 points to lead Anoka-Ramsey to victory.
"He was at times tough to guard," LaPlante said. "(He) single handily almost willed them to win."
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Freshman Aristede Bratchett led RCTC with 13 points while Al Tillman added 11 points and five assists. Chaz Sharp had 10 points and 6-foot-8 center Joe Beck collected 12 rebounds.
A-R led 34-33 at the half and then for three points much of the second half. The visitors pulled away in the closing minutes.
Anoka-Ramsey sat back in a 2-3 zone and RCTC was unable to hit outside shots to force a defensive switch. The Yellowjackets shot just 32 percent (23-for-71) overall and were 3-for-21 from three-point range.
"Our inability to knock down a shot really came back to haunt us," LaPlante admitted.
A-R hit 45 percent from the field (24-for-53), made 4 of 11 three-pointers and was 21-for-34 at the line. RCTC made 15 of 21 free throws. Anoka held a slim 46-43 edge on the boards and both teams had 21 turnovers.
RCTC will now play in the eight-team state tournament this Friday-Sunday at Anoka-Ramsey.
