Dec. 20, 2024, CALEDONIA, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College's women's basketball team dropped a tightly contested match-up against Cuyahoga Community College Friday night, falling 66-61 in a game defined by momentum swings and a gritty comeback effort.

The Raiders (1-5) jumped out to an early lead, but Cuyahoga took control late in the first quarter, grabbing their first lead at 15-14 with just 12 seconds remaining. The visitors extended their advantage to as many as 15 points late in the second quarter before GRCC closed the half with a critical 5-0 run to trail 37-27 at the break.

Fueled by a renewed defensive intensity, the Raiders opened the third quarter with a blistering 10-0 run, tying the game at 37 with 5:33 remaining. The momentum carried them through the quarter, as GRCC outscored Cuyahoga 21-9 to claim a 48-46 lead heading into the final period.

Averi Peot provided a spark early in the fourth, converting a three-point play to give GRCC its largest lead of the night at 57-50 with 6:49 remaining. However, Cuyahoga responded with a 10-2 run, regaining the lead.

La' Anna Griffin briefly put the Raiders back in front with a layup at the 2:32 mark, making it 61-60. Unfortunately for GRCC, they were unable to score in the closing minutes as Cuyahoga sealed the victory.

Ava Schultz led the Raiders offensively, scoring a season-high 16 points while adding four rebounds and three assists. Peot matched her season-high with 15 points on an efficient 6-for-10 shooting night and contributed four rebounds and three steals. Griffin added nine points and six rebounds, while Tianna Daye chipped in with 10 points and a team-high five assists.

The loss drops GRCC to 1-5 on the season. The Raiders will look to regroup quickly as they travel to Mt. Pleasant to face Mid Michigan College at 1 p.m. on Saturday in their final game before the holiday break.

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