Despite their efforts, the American River College men’s basketball team couldn’t keep up with the proficient shooting of first-place Diablo Valley College Friday night, Feb. 9, at Hutchison Gym, falling 48-62.

Trailing the entire game, the Beavers inconsistent shooting and untimely defensive lapses stalled every run they made at the lead.

The Vikings jumped out early. On the first possession of the game, DVC’s Ross Nakamura popped a quick three-pointer setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Following an ARC score, DVC went on an 11-0 run getting four straight baskets from guard Mac Peterson three of those were trays.

Down by 12 early, 2-14 with 14:33

left in the first half.

The Beavers got a spark off the bench getting baskets from freshmen Nelson Ekeh and AJ Gold, but fell flat soon after. ARC went scoreless for the next 5:28 and was down by 15 until Tyler Brown hit a much-needed three-pointer. Coming out of a time out, ARC began to pound the ball inside to Wendale Farrow. Farrow converted on two three-point plays bringing the Beavers back to within eight points with 2:33 left in the first half. Then DVC came right back and dropped two more three-pointers in the final minute increasing their lead back to double digits, closing the half with a 33-21 lead.

DVC hit 10 three-pointers on the night.

ARC came out and hit a couple of

quick three’s to start the second half. They fought hard early on, playing tough defense as they continued to pound inside. With 14:41 remaining Farrow scored again, cutting the defecit to seven, the smallest of the game.

But this was as close as the Beavers would get. They went cold, not scoring a single point from 7:52-3:39 allowing the Vikings to get away with the game.

With the loss, the Beavers now are 17-14 overall and 4-6 in the Big 7 Conference, which, according to Coach Mark Giorgi, is “the toughest conference in the state.”

The Beavers next home game is Thursday, 6 p.m. vs Sac City College.