Jan. 29, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams faced off against Kalamazoo Valley Community College on Wednesday night, with the women's team securing a hard-fought 73-66 victory, while the men's team fell 109-97 in a high-paced matchup.

Women's Basketball: GRCC 73, KVCC 66

The Raiders (4-9, 3-3 MCCAA) never trailed in the game, but the Cougars (11-9, 3-3) kept the contest within reach for most of the night. A late push from KVCC trimmed the GRCC lead to just three points at 60-57, but the Raiders responded with an 8-1 run to put the game away.

Defense played a key role in the victory, as GRCC forced 23 turnovers, converting them into 31 points. The Raiders also caught fire offensively, shooting a season-high 47% from the field, including 12 made three-pointers at a 50% clip.

Tia Richard led the way with a game-high 23 points while adding six assists and a season-best five steals. She played all 40 minutes and continues to pace the team in scoring at 16.1 points per game. Ava Schultz also went the distance, recording her fourth double-double in five games with 14 points and 15 rebounds. She remains the team's leading rebounder, now averaging 9.2 boards per contest.

Tianna Daye added 14 points, knocking down four of the team's 12 three-pointers in the victory.

Men's Basketball: KVCC 109, GRCC 97

In a battle against the No. 8-ranked Cougars (19-1, 6-0 MCCAA), the Raiders (16-5, 3-3) held their own for most of the contest, exchanging the lead 16 times. However, after Zeekeal Jackson's bucket gave GRCC a 74-71 advantage with 12 minutes remaining, KVCC took control and never relinquished the lead.

The Cougars' edge on the boards (54-39) and their ability to get to the free-throw line—shooting 16 more attempts than GRCC—proved to be the difference down the stretch.

Tyran Thomas led the Raiders for the second straight game with 23 points, two blocks, and four steals, while Bashir Neel added 21 points and three blocks. Marshaun Flakes contributed 18 points, four steals, and two blocks in an all-around performance. J.D. DeGroot recorded a season-high nine rebounds and chipped in six points.


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.

Up Next

Both teams continue conference play on Saturday at Lansing Community College. The women tip off at 1 p.m., followed by the men at 3 p.m. 

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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.