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McKee’s free throws help CAM hold off Earlham

Sports

February 20th, 2020 by admin

Connor McKee went 11-12 at the free throw line, including 7 of 7 in the fourth quarter, to help CAM seal a 71-66 win over Earlham on Thursday night. The Cougars led the majority of the game but the Cardinals fought back hard in the final minutes. Thanks to a couple of steals a big three from TJ Harkins the Cardinals got within 2 at 67-65 with under a minute to play. Connor McKee was fouled and calmy stepped up and knocked down two free throws to make it a two possession game again. After a free throw make from the Cardinals, McKee would add two more freebies to provide the final margin. After the game McKee said he was glad he could come up big for the team and he adjusted after his first and only miss on the night.

CAM seemed to have a nice burst at the end of each period. The Cougars went on a 8-2 run to end the first quarter and lead 16-10. After Earlham took a lead 26-24 late in the 2nd quarter the Cougars answered with another 8-2 run to lead 32-28 at half. Jacob Holste hit two big threes late in the third quarter to take the Cougars from a 3 point lead to 9 by the quarter break 52-43. CAM Head Coach Nick Hodges said that energy was a big key.

Connor McKee finished with 20 points on the night and Jacob Holste added 17. The Cougars improved to 18-4 on the season and advance to the Class 1A District 14 Semifinals against the Stanton Vikings at home next Tuesday. CAM won a regular season meeting with the Vikings 51-49 on January 30th in Stanton.

Jackson Vandever led the Cardinals with 23 points and TJ Harkins finished with 17. The Cardinals end their season with a record of 9-13.

Listen to the full postgame interview with Coach Hodges below.

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