The Anoka-Ramsey Men's Basketball team fought back from a 12-point first half deficit but ultimately fell 72-69 to Rochester on Saturday in MCAC Southern Division action.
The Golden Rams shot just 42.6 percent overall and were out-rebounded 42-29 in falling to 2-2 in the MCAC.
Rochester took a 29-17 lead with 8:31 left in the first half before the Golden Rams went on a 11-3 run to pull within 32-28 with 6:14 to go. The teams settled on a 40-37 halftime score with Rochester in the lead.
Anoka-Ramsey took a 55-54 lead on a Jalen Dunlap jumper with 11 minutes to play, and three from Steven Colon gave the Golden Rams their largest lead, 62-58 with seven minutes left.
Back-to-back Yellowjacket threes followed by a free throw completed a 7-0 run for Rochester to regain the lead, 65-62. Then a 7-2 Rochester spurt pushed the lead to 72-64 with two minutes to play.
Nashiem Lozier made two free throws, followed by a steal and layup by Colon to pull Anoka-Ramsey back to within 72-68.
The Golden Rams had their chances to pull closer as Rochester struggled from the free throw line down the stretch, missing five consecutive free throws. Dunlap was fouled on a three-point attempt with ten seconds left but made just one of the three freebies. After two more missed Rochester free throws the Golden Rams had a chance to tie, but Jackson Odegard's three rimmed out.
Dunlap led all scorers with 21 points, followed by Justin Castro with 20. Colon finished with 13.
The Golden Rams fall to 9-8 overall and will travel to Western Tech on Wednesday, January 23.
