Dec. 9, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Joe Francis and J.D. DeGroot scored 22 points to lead the Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team to an 83-79 comeback win vs. Community Christian College on Saturday.

Francis - playing against his former team - sparked the late comeback in which the Raiders trailed by seven with under three minutes to go, by scoring or assisting on the teams final four baskets.

GRCC finished the game on a 13-2 run to win its sixth game of the season.

Francis also had a season-high five assists, five steals and two blocks.  He leads the team by averaging 17.5 points per game.

DeGroot, making his first start of the season, scored 17 of his career high 22 points in the first half.  He was 9-for-11 from the field with a three and was 3-for-4 from the free throw line.

A freshman from Hamilton, DeGroot remains the team's most efficient shooter, shooting 67.4 percent from the field. 

GRCC finished with more steals, less turnovers and had twice as many assists than the visitors from Detroit.

Four other players also had career-highs in the victory.  Alex Ehnis had a career-best nine points and four assists.  Jack Adema played a career-high 20 minutes scoring a career-high eight points. Sophomore Jovante Jones grabbed a career-high seven rebounds.  Tristan McRoberts had a career-high six assists. 

GRCC is back in action on Dec. 14 at home against Washtenaw Community College. 

CURRENT MEN'S BASKETBALL STANDINGS

  
Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.