On Tuesday, Feb. 14, in a Valentine’s Day showdown, the Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team lost to Muskegon Community College, 87-74 at Bartels-Rode Gymnasium in Muskegon.
In the first half, GRCC shot 10 for 30 (33.33%) from the field, 2 for 13 (15.38%) from the 3-point line and 6 for 8 (75%) from the free-throw line.
In the half, the 9-14 (5-5 in conference) Jayhawks got things going after freshman guard Darius Williams put down a 3-point shot, giving MCC an early 3-0 lead. The first points of the game for the Raiders came via free throws from sophomore guard Darrell Belcher, which cut the Jayhawk lead to 6-2. MCC led the entire half and took their largest lead of 30, with 1:29 left to go in the half. This lead of 30 points came off a successful 2-point shot which also came from Williams. MCC ended the half leading 54-28.
In the second half, GRCC shot 16 for 32 (50%) from the field, 4 for 13 (30.77%) from 3-point land and 10 for 14 (71.43%) from the free-throw line.
In the half, GRCC got the first points of the half with 19:13 to go after a 2-point shot from sophomore guard Joe Francis, which cut the MCC lead to 54-30, a 24-point advantage. MCC’s first points came with 18.57 to go after a 2-point shot from sophomore guard Jadakiss Lewis. MCC lead 56-30. Despite outshooting MCC 46-33, the Jayhawks still led the entire half, taking their largest lead off of Lewis’ 2-point shot. MCC closed the half, getting free throws from Lewis, putting MCC up 86-72. The Raiders also closed the game on free throws, cutting the lead to 87-74 which was the game’s final score.
GRCC suffered no technical fouls in the loss, had 28 points in the paint, eight points off turnovers, nine second-chance points, six fast break points, 21 bench points, and no lead changes or ties.
GRCC sophomore forward Alex Ehnis led the team with eight rebounds. Ehnis, freshman guard Logan Dunbar, and sophomore guard Jovante Jones each had three personal fouls. Sophomore guard Tristan McRoberts and Dunbar led the team with three assists each. Belcher led the team with seven turnovers. Francis led the team with 23 points.
Up next, now 11-14 (3-7 in the conference) GRCC will return home to take on the Lumberjacks of Alpena Community College on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. at Ford Fieldhouse.
