Purple Eagles rally falls just short

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 15 February 2023 at 9:58 pm

A big second half comeback bid fell just short as Albion dropped a narrow 47-46 decision at Akron this evening to close out the Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball season for both teams.

Trailing 18-3 after the first period and 32-16 at the half, Albion rallied back to within 10, 42-32, at the three-quarter mark and then to finally take the lead at 46-45 with just 22 seconds to go on a pair of free throws by Aquil Gaffney. However, Akron answered with what proved to be the game winning basket by Bral Abrams with 12 seconds remaining.

Abrams led Akron with 10 as Drew Romesser and Blake Gerstung both had 9.

Amari Jones had a game high 19, Javon Jones 10 and Gaffney 8 for Albion. Amari Jones scored 11 in the second half as Javon Jones and Gaffney each had 8.

Albion finishes the N-O season at 7-5 and Akron at 6-6.