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Grand Rapids, Mich—The GRCC basketball games scheduled to take place at the Ford Fieldhouse yesterday needed to be moved due to a water leak above the game floor at Hunsburger Arena. Unfortunately, it looked as though both Raiders squads sorely missed playing on their home court.
Last year, the home court advantage was in full effect for both the GRCC and Glen Oaks, each winning their contests in their respective home arenas. This time around, however, Glen Oaks CC and their powerful offenses proved to be too much for GRCC.
The ladies took the court first at Central High School.
Despite jumping out to a quick lead and battling fiercely throughout the first half, the Lady Raiders just simply could not contain Anika Gasich and company.
The teams headed into half with a 2 point difference, the Raiders trailing 23-25. Gasich quickly turned things around for the Vikings, and was automatic from behind the arc. Going 7 for 13 on the evening, she also added a pair of free throws to cap her 23 point effort. Teammate AuZhane King added another 12 points for her squad as well as 4 assists and a pair of steals.
GRCC's usual threat, Stephanie Stephens, paced her team with a 16 point effort. Danielle Harrison and Sara Karamol posted 13 and 11 points respectively.
Following the women's matchup, the men took the court to renew their rivalry.
Last season witnessed the Raiders knock Glen Oaks out of competition entirely en route to their second consecutive appearance at the NJCAA's National Tournament in Danville, Ill. With a number of familiar faces on the court in 2014, the Vikings sought vengeance.
They were quick to get on the board in the opening minutes and were relentless on offense. Angelo Griffis and Lee Gardener III were the driving forces behind a Viking offense that currently holds the MCCAA's West's top spot. The pair posted a combined 41 points on the evening. Despite a team total 21 turnovers, Gruffis and Gardener powered the squad to vitory.
GRCC battled to within a handful of points on a number of occasions, but couldn't string together a run strong enough to gain the lead at any point during play. Still, Courtney Hill, DeMarkus Stuckey and Deontae Hudson all posted stellar individual numbers, earning 21, 17 and 16 points respectively.
The loss brings the men's team to a 6-4 mark on the season.
Both teams take to the court next when the Raiders host Muskegon Community College's Jayhwaks on Wednesday evening. The ladies take the court first at 5:30 followed by the men at 7:30 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse.
