On Saturday, Dec. 10, the Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team faced off against Community Christian College and used a comeback effort to win 83-79.
The Raiders jumped to a 10-2 start as freshman forward J.D. DeGroot started his first game of the season with multiple buckets. He scored six out of the first 12 points of the game for GRCC.
The Lions swiftly got back into the game as they went on a run of their own to take a 22-15 lead. GRCC went multiple minutes without a field goal and struggled shooting during this run.
Sophomore center Alex Enhis started to get it going in the paint as he scored on multiple moves while knocking in a couple free throws. This kept the Raiders within striking distance but the Lions still controlled the lead for most of the half.
After DeGroot made a shot with four seconds remaining in the half, GRCC regained the lead 34-33. Missed free throws caused GRCC’s lead to be as short as it was but their consistent field goal percentage kept them afloat.
GRCC made another leap to start the second half as they went on a 6-2 run only 2:50 minutes in. CCC turned the heat up right after with a 14-0 run spanning six minutes which put the Raiders in play-behind mode. Right after a timeout from head coach Joe Fox, GRCC cut the lead back to four within minutes. Sophomore guard Joe Francis came off the bench for the first time this season which helped the Raiders throughout the game as his scoring was crucial.
Each team took turns with the lead as neither team had full control of the game. DeGroot and Francis continued to keep the Raiders in it but freshman guard Jack Agema was giving his best minutes of the year. Agema scored multiple buckets late in the second half and was getting the most playing time he’s seen all year.
The Lions continued their streaky play as they took a seven-point lead with just under three minutes to play but this did not phase the Raiders. Francis scored seven straight to tie the game and a group of Raiders scored at crucial moments to allow the Raiders the victory. Agema nailed a free throw to put GRCC up four with seconds remaining, which was the final dagger for the Lions. GRCC took care of business at home 83-79.
DeGroot and Francis tied for most points scored on the team with 22, as Francis added five assists, five steals, and two blocks. Enhis ended with a near double-double, putting up nine points and eight rebounds. Agema added eight points shooting 75% from the field and notched a career-high in points and minutes played.
With the victory, the Raiders record breaks the .500% mark as they improve to 6-5 on the season. GRCC will stay home for their next home game against Washtenaw Community College on Thursday, Dec. 14.
