Benton Harbor, Mich. – It was a difference in halves for the conference leading Raiders Wednesday at Lake Michigan College. The Raiders erupted for 62 points on 62% from the floor in the second half turning a very close game into a one sided game in a flash. After finding out earlier in the day they earned a win from December via a forfeit, the Raiders are now 21-5 overall and 13-2 in the conference. LMC falls to 5-21 and 2-13 with both teams having just three games remaining on their conference schedules.
There were a total of 10 lead changes the entire game with six coming in the opening half. Sammie Ryans (Kentwood, MI) scored 10 of his team's 32 points with Ike Kanu (Grand Rapids, MI) chipping in with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Both teams shot under 38% from the field, including 5 of 18 from downtown for GR and 5 of 16 for LMC.
Justin Henderson put the Red Hawks up 40-39 with 16:39 on the clock in the second half, but the Raiders then proceeded to go on a 23-2 run over the next four and a half minutes. That stretch included six three pointers, including three from Ryans and two from D'Avery Moore (Kentwood, MI). The Raiders, back at full strength, led by as many as 28 in the game and got 22 points from their bench, including 18 from Moore which was one short of his career high.
Ryans also picked up his first ever double-double grabbing 10 rebounds. The sharp-shooter, now averaging 19.5 points/game, hit seven three's on the night making it the 12th game in a row he has made at least three deep balls. He needs just nine more three's to hit 100 for the season.
Kanu finished with yet another double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. He now has 15 on the year. William Otole (Grand Rapids, MI) connected on four three's and finished with 14 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. David Hearns (Hazel Park, MI) finished with a game high 7 assists and 3 steals.
The Raiders now need just one more win to clinch at least a share of the conference title. They lead Ancilla College by two games and both teams will matchup this Saturday afternoon. A win by the Raiders and they will be the outright champions. Ancilla is 18-7 and 11-4 in the conference. Game time at the GRCC's Hunsberger Arena is set for 3:00 PM.
