Regan Beats Buzzer In Come-From-Behind Thriller

SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine—The Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) men's basketball team took down the #6 Clippers from the University of Maine at Machias 77-76 in a Yankee Small College Conference (YSCC) quarterfinal playoff contest on Saturday, Feb. 22.

The SeaWolves found themselves trailing 41-33 at the break much to do with the Clippers' efficient display of shooting, 53.3 percent from the field. First-years Pedro Fonseca (Portland, Maine) and Zachary Mickle (Billerica, Mass.) combined for 18 points to help limit the deficit.

Down by 10 points with 5:45 left in regulation, SMCC strung together an 11-0 run. Both teams traded buckets before the opposition's Isaiah Plange scored layups on consecutive trips down the floor to put the Clippers ahead by two.

Following a timeout, the SeaWolves in-bounded to Z. Mickle who drove the length of the floor and skipped a pass across the baseline to find sophomore captain Ian Regan (Old Orchard Beach, Maine). Regan gathered and a let a three-pointer go before time expired that found its way through the cylinder to send the home team to the next round.

Machias' James Lindsay recorded the unconventional double-double with 14 points and 14 assists. Ramon Gill led all scorers in the game with 20 points, knocking down 6-10 from beyond the arc.

In a post-game interview, Head Coach Matt Richards commented, "Behind by double figures in the later stages, the deficit seemed almost insurmountable. I'm proud of the guys for never saying never and finding a toughness to put ourselves in a position to win the ballgame. Kudos to Zach and Ian for linking up for a wonderful finish."

The SeaWolves will move on to face #2 Vermont Technical College next Saturday, Feb. 29 in a semifinal game at The HUB. Tip-off will be scheduled for 6 p.m.

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