Published: November 19, 2008 01:53 am         

DACC men fall short again

DANVILLE — The DACC Jaguars came up just short again Tuesday night, losing 67-66 to the Kankakee Cavaliers.

It was the Jaguars’ third consecutive loss by three or fewer points.

“They are a good athletic team with a good record, but we gave this game away,” said Jaguars coach Mike Carpenter. “Until we can become a more mentally stronger team, we will continue to lose games.

“We are playing short handed but that’s no excuse. We are getting guys some experience which will help down the line but right now we are lacking leadership and concentration in tough game situations.”

The Cavaliers got out to an early lead before a three-point play by former Danville High standout Ronny Bell tied the game at 9-9.

Led by Kyle Smith, with key baskets also coming from Q Townsend, Darrell Stevenson and Russell Robinson the Jaguars shot out to a 26-15 lead with 8 minutes, 50 seconds to go in the first half.

“There were some bright spots in the game and this stretch was one of them,” Carpenter said. “We were moving the ball and this was probably our best spurt all season. Darrell is a very athletic player and played like he is capable of playing.

“Ronnie had some good moments, but the key to this offense is attacking and we stopped attacking.”

Over the last 8:50, the Cavaliers would go on a 17-4 run to go to the half up 32-30. Nine of 10 Jaguars who played in the first half scored.

The only player who didn’t score was Teddrick Hardy and he came out hot in the second half, scoring a team-high 15 points before fouling out late in the game.

The score would be tied nine times before baskets by Hardy and Tim Toller pushed the Jaguars to a 66-58 lead with 3:15 to go.

The Cavaliers would go on a 9-0 run to close the game and claim the win.

“Part of what happened is we are still not running the new offense very well,” Carpenter said. “But we also missed 11 free throws including six late in the game. That’s just concentration and nerves.

“We should be getting J.T. Hatfield and Justin Hightower back as soon as Thursday which will help. I’m just overall very disappointed in how we played tonight.”

Freshman Toller continued the fast start to his college career, putting up his fifth consecutive double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Stevenson had six points, eight rebounds and eight blocks, and Townsend added eight points while leading the team in minutes played.

“Q did a very nice job tonight,” Carpenter said. “He brings a lot of energy and moves the ball well. We have four games coming up in the next few days and it was good to get so many guys extra minutes tonight. We could very easily be 5-0 but were not and just need to go out and get mentally tougher.”

Next up for the Jaguars (1-4) is a rematch with Wabash Valley on Thursday before returning home Saturday to play Olney Central at 4 p.m.