Skipjacks’ ‘D’ disappears in second half of loss

BALTIMORE – The Titans can certainly score.  And they did so in bunches during a 57-point second half Saturday night that carried Community College of Beaver County to a 95-84 men's basketball victory over Chesapeake College. 

"Our defense was offensive," Chesapeake head coach Joel Dearring said of the Skipjacks' second-half performance. 

Dearring said Beaver's offensive aggressiveness was a key as the unbeaten Titans (6-0) overcame a 43-38 halftime deficit to post the win.

"What they did was attack the basket on us, and we didn't do the little things like stay in front of them and box them out," said Dearring.  "The same thing that gave us the lead in the first half – sticking to our defensive principles – disappeared in the second half."

Andre Anthony scored 24 points and Andray Jefferson added 20 for the Titans, who also received 16 points from Jummanne McDaniel and 11 each from Bernard Francis and Alonzo Murphy.

Chesapeake's Geran Pope (19 points, 14 rebounds) had his fifth consecutive double-double and teammate Akanni Salako tied Anthony for game-high scoring honors with 24 points. 

"He's been very solid on the offensive end of the floor and on the boards," said Dearring of Pope.  "You can't complain when someone keeps bringing a double-double to the table."

Dearring said Salako is rounding into offensive form.

"At times he's almost unstoppable," said Dearring.  "He's the perfect complement to Pope."

Chesapeake finished with a 36-24 advantage in rebounds, but committed 18 turnovers to just 11 for Beaver.

The loss was Chesapeake's second in as many nights in a two-day mixer at the Community College of Baltimore County-Essex.   Chesapeake was supposed to play a third straight game at Essex Tuesday night, but a water main break forced the game's cancellation.

After starting the season with five straight road games, the Skipjacks will host the Washington College junior varsity Monday night in their 7 p.m. home opener.

"We're happy to come home," said Dearring.  "We haven't been home all year and we want to definitely invite folks to come out and see us."

Nassau CC 86, Chesapeake 81

BALTIMORE – Akanni Salako scored a team-high 25 points on 7-for-10 shooting, including 3-for-3 from the 3-point line, and Geran Pope had 19 points and 17 rebounds Friday in a losing effort.

Jahmante Jackson was the third Skipjack in double figures with 10 points.