Sports
Streak ends as Howell falls to CBA
Ryan Keegan's 23 points not enough as Rebels' six-game win streak comes to an end
Despite facing argaubly the best team in the Shore Conference, the Rebels would not go down without a fight.
Trailing from the opening tip-off, Howell (9-8) scored 33 of their 52 points in the second half as they fell to the Colts (10-3), 76-52 at Christian Brothers Academy, in the Lincroft section of Middletown, in the Jan. 31 basketball game.
Ryan Keegan lead the way for Howell once again, notching 23 points and leading the team with five rebounds.
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The loss snapped the Rebels win streak at six games, but head coach Brian Quick was still pleased with his teams effort.
"I'm an effort guy," he said, "We were a little over-matched with their height and length and it's difficult for our guys. As long as they do their best, in which they always do, I can never be too disappointed in them."
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The Colts jumped out to a 12-1 lead early, thanks in large part to a big advantage down low. Kendall Simmons, Mike Murphy and Raquan Haynes did all they could to match up with CBA's big men, but it proved to be too much.
Howell cut the lead to 10 in the second quarter, but that's as close as they would get in the 24-point loss.
The Colts have now beaten Howell in both games this season. They won in similar fashion, 74-53 at Howell on Jan. 6.
"I always tell them that we learn something from playing CBA," Quick said, "Last time we lost to them and it helped us get on a good streak."
Simmons finished in double-figures for the second straight game, notching 12 points and four rebounds while Mike Porter added six points on two three-pointers.
Brian Jordan also added three points for Howell.
Mike Murphy battled tough throughout the entire game defensivley, and tallied six points and four rebounds for the Rebels.
Still, Keegan proved he can play tough no matter who the opponent, scoring 20+ points for the third straight game.
"You can put him in a game against the New York Knicks and he's going to play the same way and score 20 points," Quick said of Keegan, "He doesn't back down from anybody, he goes right at the good teams and right at the big players."
