Grand Rapids, Mich. -- The Raiders concluded regular season play Wednesday night with a 72-65 victory in overtime against the visiting Cougars of KVCC.  In a game of eight lead changes and 12 tied scores, the Raiders came out on top, improving to 23-6 overall and finishing conference play with an impressive 15-3 record.  The loss by KVCC eliminates them from post season play and they finish their season with a 10-20 (7-11) record.

The Raiders jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but were held scoreless for the next four minutes.  Luckily for them, KVCC was held to just seven points during that time span and William Otole's jumper with 14:43 on the clock tied the ball game back up.   An 8-0 run capped off by two free throws from Otole made it a 31-23 game and at the half the conference champs led 34-28.  Sammie Ryans (Kentwood, MI) and Ike Kanu (Grand Rapids, MI) each had 10 points for GRCC.

Kalamazoo Valley rallied back from down seven to take their first lead of the second half after an Evan Finch (16 points-6 rebounds) three with 10:34 on the clock. The Cougars extended their lead to three, 50-47, but two free throws by Ryans gave the lead back to GR, 52-50. 

With just 2:27 left in regulation Darrian Burkett scored a layup and was fouled.  His three point play gave KVCC the lead 59-58.  Both teams proceeded to miss their next five shots, including two free throws by the Cougars, before one of Kanu's huge rebounds with 1:44 to go. Ryans missed a three pointer, but Kanu was fouled on the rebound and he would go to the line to tie the ball game up at 59. 

Camren Spicer (Grand Rapids, MI) had one of his game high five steals with 1:09 remaining but the Raiders couldn't convert on the other end.  The Cougars then turned the ball over again. This time it was Ryans with the steal and the Raiders would call time with 26 seconds left.  Ryans three point attempt was just short and Kanu's putback as time expired just rolled off and for the third time this season over time it would be.

In the extra period it was all Raiders.  KVCC's Jovaun Jones (game high 20 points) scored the first basket, but the Raiders would out score the Cougars by nine the rest of the way.  David Hearns (Hazel Park, MI) and Spicer finished with eight of the 13 Raider points and added three steals.

Kanu finished the game with a team high 19 points on 8 of 16 shooting.  He also grabbed a game high 16 rebounds including 11 on the offensive end.  Hearns was a solid 6 of 11 from the field and finished with 18 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals.  Ryans scored 14 and grabbed 6 boards while Spicer had 10 points, 6 rebounds and the 5 huge steals.

By winning the Western Conference, the Raiders will play in the MCCAA Championship against Henry Ford College who won the Eastern Conference Wednesday night.  That game will be played Saturday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM in Dearborn, Michigan.  They won't play again until Friday March 8th at 7:30 PM in the District Semis against either Mid-Michigan or Muskegon Community College.

For complete coverage of this year's District Tournament click here.