The Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team defeated Northwood JV 98-92 on Tuesday, Nov. 28, behind sophomore’s Tristan McRoberts and Joe Francis’s scoring, as McRoberts ended with a team-high 28 while Francis added 23 points.
The Raiders got off to a fast 7-0 start led by sophomore guard Spencer Willman. Willman had seven points in the first five minutes of the game.
Each team went back-and-forth throughout the majority of the first half as the Raiders dominated on the boards but struggled to finish their second chance opportunities.
Sophomore guard Darrell Belcher heated up midway through the half as he hit multiple shots to continue the Raider lead.
GRCC led by as many as 12 points in the first half but the TimberWolves clawed back and made it a one possession game with three minutes remaining. McRoberts heated up toward the end of the half as he made a few layups while also nailing a 3-pointer.
The T-Wolves nailed a three as the clock hit zero to set the score at 49-45 with the Raiders leading heading into the half.
GRCC shot 44.2% from the field in the first while also making seven 3-pointers.
The Raiders’ defense started the second half on a mission as they didn’t allow any points for the first three minutes. Beside McRoberts, the Raiders went on a scoring drought which allowed the T-Wolves to march back into the lead. Belcher quickly ended their run as he scored on back-to-back possessions to reclaim the lead.
In the second half, the lead was hard to possess as each team struggled to maintain it for a long period of time. Sophomore guard Jovante Jones gave a spark off the bench for the Raiders as he scored a few free throws while also nailing some crucial shots.
The final five minutes of the game was a chess match, as each team had a chance to pull away with the victory. However, Belcher and McRoberts scored critical buckets and free throws to pull away from the T-Wolves. GRCC held on to the victory 98-92.
Other than Francis and McRoberts’ 20-point outings, Belcher and Jones were important scorers throughout the game. Belcher had 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Jones added 13 points, three steals, and two rebounds.
GRCC improves to 5-4 on the season as they look to finish their non-conference schedule off strong. They return home to the Ford Fieldhouse on Saturday, Dec. 2, when they will face Schoolcraft College at 3 p.m.
