By Grace Howard
For their first home game this season, the Grand Rapids Community College men’s basketball team took on Jackson Community College with an amazing comeback win. The Raiders had a rough first half with only having the lead one time in the first three minutes, after those three minutes they trailed JCC the entire first half. In the second half, they had 48 points to secure the win over the Jets, 80-73.
GRCC struggled offensively in the first half shooting below 30% from the field, with JCC shooting above 40%. Although the Raiders had six turnovers while JCC had 10, the Raiders struggled with personal fouls, giving up six points to the Jets in the first half. Freshman Kamerin Carter led the Jets with 13 points in the first half. Freshman Tyran Thomas and freshmen Benjamin Koubek led the Raiders with seven points each by halftime.
It was a fast-paced game for JCC, not going more than two minutes without scoring. Their defense was led by freshman Savonn Campbell with 11 rebounds in the first half. The Raiders were struggling with the offense, going more than five minutes without scoring, but keeping up with the Jets for most of the first half only trailing by seven at halftime.
Halftime woke the Raiders up and they came back strong. GRCC caught up within the first seven minutes, scoring 17 points making the score 48-51 with the Raiders only trailing by three. Freshman Zeekeal Jackson led with 12 points going 7-of-7 from the free-throw line, which proved vital in the closing minutes. Thomas was right behind him with 10 points, leading the team in 3-pointers.
The Raiders had a defensive boost from sophomore Javon Golson, who secured 10 rebounds, including key rebounds in the final minutes, and sophomore Mason Wilcox, who nailed a three-pointer to help maintain the lead. After a challenging first half where the Raiders shot only 29%, they bounced back with a 52% shooting performance in the second half.
The second half was a big turning point for the Raiders, Head Coach Joe Fox explained what was different.
“We played hard,” he said. “In the first half I thought that was a little lacking. We were waiting for the game, and in the second half, we went and got the game.”
GRCC played a challenging game and pulled off a seven-point lead game 80-73 against JCC. The Raiders play at home again on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. against Oakland Community College.
Fox said, “We got a great team coming in Saturday, so it’s next one ready to go.”
