Box Score Port Huron, MI. -- GRCC Men's Basketball team (22-9) beat the Jackson College Jets (18-12) on Thursday, March 8th, 98-88 to advance to Saturday's Region XII District 9 Championship. The Raiders will play #1 seed Ancilla College who beat Muskegon CC 94-88 in overtime in the second semifinal game. This will be the second year in a row that the Raiders have earned a right to play for a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament in Danville, IL. In just his second year at the helm of the Men's Basketball team, Head Coach Luke Bronkema has guided the Raiders to back to back District 9 Championship game appearances and two 20-plus win seasons.

The game against Jackson College was a tail of two halves. The Raiders came out red hot in the first half, shooting 44% from the three point line going 7-16 in the half. Jeremiah Davis (2-3), Sammie Ryans (2-3) and Curtis Davison (2-4) all connected on two threes apiece. On the heels of the Raiders hot shooting the Raiders took an 18 point lead into the halftime break, 48-30. For the half, Jackson shot an abysmal 28% from the field and 14% from behind the arc. 

GRCC opened the second half much like they did the first, pushing their lead to as many as 22 points with 12:45 left in the game. After Curtis Davison's fourth three pointer of the game, Jackson called a timeout. GRCC's momentum shifted to Jackson when the Jets moved to a full court press after the timeout, catching the Raiders off guard. Jackson forced GRCC into several turnovers and long three point shots that they missed. Jackson cut the lead to 3 points with 3 minutes remaining, behind the strong play of Brandon Thomas (18 second half points) and Devaughn Munson's (14 second half points) tough play. However, the Jets found themselves in foul trouble, and with their aggressive second half approach, sent GRCC to the line time and time again. Zachary Pangborn showed his ability under pressure to make clutch free throws, making 15 of 15 from the charity stripe, securing the victory for the Raiders.

GRCC was led in scoring by Zachary Pangborn - 29, Curtis Davison - 26, Diego Robinson - 13 points 12 rebounds, Jeremiah Davis - 10, Samuel Ryans - 8 and Anthony McIntosh - 8.

GRCC will face #1 seed Ancilla Chargers in the District 9 Championship game on Saturday, March 10th at 1pm in Port Huron, MI.

Click here to live stream the game.