Box Score Grand Rapids, MI. -- It was the second time GRCC faced Mid Michigan Community College in seven days. The first meeting was at MMCC's home court and the Raiders fell behind early, and never threatened to take the lead, losing 70-61. Fast forward one week and the #2 seeded Raiders were matched up with the #7 seeded Lakers in the NJCAA Region XII, District 9 quarterfinal. MMCC had every right to feel confident coming into the game at the Ford Fieldhouse. After all, they had just beaten GRCC and took GRCC to overtime earlier in the season at the Ford Fieldhouse. In addition, GRCC was without their leading scorer and National Player of the Week, Curtis Davison. Despite all of that adversity, GRCC played one of their best games as a team, using great effort on the defensive end and crisp passing on the offensive end to dismantle the Lakers 101-80. 

GRCC set the tone early in the first half with great energy on the defensive end, while shots weren't falling in the early going, GRCC's defense held firm. Eventually GRCC started knocking down shots, pulling out to an early 17-9 lead. GRCC would never trail for the rest of the game. MMCC mustered a few runs of their own, however, each one was countered by the Raiders. Eventually, GRCC's stifling defense blew the game wide open and the Raiders cruised into the District 9 Semifinals. 

Spreading the wealth

GRCC had seven players score eight or more point on the night, led by Zachory Pangborn's 29 points on 11 of 21 shooting. Pangborn was supurb leading the Raiders both offensively and defensively. When the Lakers would start to close the gap, it was Pangborn who would time and time again close the door on the Lakers comeback bid. Pangborn also was tasked with defending the nations leading three point shooter, Colton Antes. Pangborn chased Antes all over the court which limited Antes to 19 points on 6-19 (4-12 three pointers) shot attempts. 

With Davison out, Freshman gaurd Jeremiah Davis made his third start of the season and hit big shot after big shot, finishing the night with 17 points, knocking down 5 of 10 threes. Diego Robinson 11 points and 15 rebounds controlled the paint all night and was a rock on the back line of the defense. Sammie Ryans scored a very efficient 13 points on five shot attempts and CaNas Coleman got the fast break going for the Raiders with 3 steals while also adding 12 points on 8 shot attempts. Anthony McIntosh came off the bench in the second half to help GRCC keep the Lakers at bay, scoring 8 points. 

GRCC will play Jackson College at 1PM in Port Huron on Thursday, March 8th. 

The game can be live steamed HERE