Cougars Topple Vikings 71-56

The Frederick Cougars men's basketball team protected the ball throughout the game to upend the Mercer County Vikings 71-56 to win their third straight game and their fourth win at home, remaining unbeaten in the Athletic Center. 

The Cougars got off to a slow start in their final game before the winter break, trailing by as many as eight points at the 15:31 mark of the first half. However, Malik Witherspoon opened up the scoring column for the Cougars to help bring his team back and lead by two points at halftime, 24-22. Witherspoon led FCC in the first half, scoring eight of his 11 points in the first half alongside teammate Justin Morrisey who also finished with eight points at the midway point of the game.

Coming out of halftime, the Cougars went on an 11-2 run to open up the half. Jaden Arrington started the run and would keep his team ahead with a hot hand to score 18 of his 21 points in the second half.

Morrisey would finish the game with 20 points. Max Harriday and Alex Bailey would come off the bench for the Cougars to score four points each and had flawless shooting efficiency on the night.

Both teams would shoot 41% from the field, but the Cougars would shoot 81% from the free throw line to 65% for the Vikings. The Cougars secured possession of the ball much more effectively, recording only nine turnovers, and Mercer would turn the ball over 22 times. FCC would get the better of the Vikings on the boards to outrebound MCCC 39 to 28.

Up Next:

The FCC Cougars play at home on Wednesday, January 11, at 7 pm hosting Prince George's Community College Owls and again on Thursday, January 12, at 7 pm to host Montgomery County Community College (PA).