Jan. 4, 2025, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams enjoyed a successful Saturday, with both the women's and men's squads earning decisive victories over Montcalm Community College. The Raiders women cruised to an 87-31 win, while the men overcame a second-half challenge to triumph 91-70.

Women's Game: GRCC 87, Montcalm 31

GRCC's women's team (2-6) put on a commanding performance, jumping out to a 22-0 lead after the first quarter and extending the margin to 28-0 before Montcalm scored its first basket at the 8:45 mark of the second quarter.

The Raiders set season highs in steals (17), assists (15), and field goal percentage (46.3%), while committing a season-low seven turnovers.

First Team All-Conference guard Tia Richard made her season debut memorable, leading all scorers with 21 points, dishing out a game-high five assists, and adding six rebounds. Tianna Daye contributed a career-high seven steals along with 19 points and three assists, shooting an impressive 8-for-13 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range.

Olivia McKellar notched a career-high 17 points, converting 7-of-11 shots, while La' Anna Griffin recorded the game's only double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, marking her second of the season.

Men's Game: GRCC 91, Montcalm 70

The men's team (13-2) secured its 10th win in a row marked by a dramatic second-half comeback. GRCC led 34-29 at halftime, but Montcalm surged ahead with a 13-0 run to open the second half, taking an eight-point lead with 16:29 remaining. J.D. DeGroot restored order for the Raiders, sinking two free throws to reclaim the lead at the 12:25 mark. GRCC maintained control for the remainder of the game.

The Raiders capitalized on turnovers, forcing 21 while committing only 10. GRCC also recorded 16 steals and made 38 trips to the free-throw line compared to Montcalm's 15.

Five Raiders scored in double figures, led by Marshaun Flakes with 18 points (7-for-14 FG), five rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. Tyran Thomas added 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line, and contributed two blocks and three steals. Zeekeal Jackson added 12 points, six rebounds, a game-high four steals, and three assists, while Bashir Neely and JD DeGroot chipped in with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Looking Ahead

Both teams return to action on January 11 when they host Kellogg Community College for their first conference matchups of the season. The women's game tips off at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men at 3:00 p.m.

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