Jan. 27, 2025, PLYMOUTH, Ind. – The Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams struggled on the road Saturday, with both the men's and women's teams falling to Marian University-Ancilla in tough matchups. The women lost 63-43, while the men came up short in a game that came down to the wire, 89-84.

Women's Recap

The women's basketball team (4-9, 2-3 in conference) couldn't overcome a sluggish start, as Ancilla (17-2, 4-1) scored 13 unanswered points after GRCC opened the game with a couple free throws. Ancilla controlled the tempo from there and never relinquished the lead.

Shooting was a major factor in the game. GRCC hit just 21.3% of their shots from the field—their second-worst shooting performance of the season—compared to Ancilla's 40%. Despite the shooting struggles, a few Raiders stood out.

Sophomore Ava Schultz, the reigning conference player of the week, recorded her third double-double in her past four games, finishing with 10 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Meanwhile, Olivia McKellar tied her season-high with 17 points, fueled by a season-best four three-pointers.

Men's Recap

The men's basketball team (16-4, 3-2) dropped its second straight game after a remarkable 13-game winning streak. Ancilla (14-6, 3-2) held off a late surge by the Raiders in a game that featured multiple momentum shifts.

Ancilla led by as many as 13 points in the second half, but the Raiders battled back. A layup by Zeekeal Jackson with 8:21 remaining gave GRCC a 72-71 lead, and Jackson scored again shortly after to make it 75-74. However, Ancilla regained control and capitalized on GRCC's mistakes down the stretch.

Despite shooting 52% from the field and dominating the boards with a 51-41 rebounding edge, GRCC's 17 turnovers and Ancilla's efficiency at the free-throw line proved decisive. Ancilla attempted 22 more free throws than GRCC and made 19 more, a glaring disparity that ultimately swung the game.

Tyran Thomas led GRCC with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Marshaun Flakes added 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Bashir Neely scored 11 points with six rebounds and 3 assists.

Looking Ahead

Both GRCC teams return to conference play on Wednesday with a home doubleheader against Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The women tip off at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men at 7:30 p.m. 

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