Jan. 11, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College Raiders began MCCAA Western Conference play on Saturday with mixed results as the women's team fell in a hard-fought battle, 86-80, while the men's team secured a 92-83 victory to extend their winning streak to 11 games.

Women's Game Recap

The Raiders (2-7) nearly completed an incredible comeback after trailing by 21 points with 3:50 left in the third quarter. A furious 12-0 run early in the fourth quarter set the tone for GRCC, cutting the deficit to one point. Back-to-back buckets from Tianna Daye gave the Raiders their first lead since the opening quarter, making it 71-67 with 4:45 remaining.

Kellogg Community College responded by tying the game at 71 before GRCC rattled off six straight points for their largest lead of the game. However, the Bruins answered with a decisive 10-0 run in the final minutes, holding off the Raiders to secure the win.

Despite the loss, the Raiders had standout performances. Daye posted a career-high 27 points and led the team with five steals. Tia Richard shined with a career-high 29 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including four three-pointers, while adding four assists and four steals. Ava Schultz chipped in 14 points, hitting four three-pointers, and Averi Peot dished out a team-high five assists.

The key stat of the game was rebounding, where Kellogg dominated with a 50-26 advantage, ultimately proving to be the difference.

Men's Game Recap

The Raider men (14-2) continued their red-hot season with a gritty win, outlasting Kellogg in a game featuring 10 lead changes. After a Tyran Thomas three-pointer tied the game at 64 with 8:38 left, GRCC took control, never trailing again.

Freshman guard Zeekeal Jackson had a career night, leading the team with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists in 27 minutes. His all-around effort anchored a balanced attack that saw four other Raiders score in double figures.

Thomas and Bashir Neely each tallied 16 points, while Marshaun Flakes contributed 14 points, three assists, two blocks, and a game-high four steals. Javon Golson added 10 points and eight rebounds.

While Kellogg won the rebounding battle 54-42, the Raiders' defense forced 22 turnovers compared to their own 12, providing the edge they needed to claim victory.

Looking Ahead

Both GRCC teams will return to action on Monday, Jan. 15, in another conference doubleheader at home against Lake Michigan College. The women's game tips off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men's game at 7:30 p.m.

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