By Jared Tobaison
In a close, defensively driven game at home, the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team struggled offensively in a 48-40 loss to Southwestern Michigan College on Wednesday, Feb. 12.
The Raiders’ defense was outstanding in the first half, forcing 14 turnovers and holding the Roadrunners to 21 points on 30.7% shooting from the field, and 0-4 from 3-point range. It was a collective defensive effort throughout the first half, which helped generate opportunities on offense.
However, the Raiders’ first-quarter offense struggled to find any rhythm as they shot 2-15 from the field, resulting in only four points. They began to heat up in the second quarter shooting 6-13 from the field and 1-4 from 3-point range. With four minutes left in the first half, the Raiders found themselves down 17-7. They then closed out the half with a 10-4 run bringing the game within four to end the half.
Going into the third quarter, the Raiders once again had a great defensive outing holding the Roadrunners to nine points on 26.67 percent shooting. Sophomore Ava Schultz was the defensive star of the quarter, recording three steals, one block and two rebounds, one of which was an offensive rebound. But the Raiders were unable to keep the rhythm going offensively, as they shot 16.67 percent from the field and scored only 10 points.
Being down three points at the beginning of the fourth quarter the Raiders tied it up and continued to go shot-for-shot keeping it close until there were about two minutes left in the game as they were down one point, 39-38. The last two minutes of the game was taken over by the Roadrunners as they went on a 9-2 run to close out the game.
The Raiders’ defense stepped up as they held the Roadrunners to 33.3 percent shooting from the field, 0-5 from beyond the 3-point line and forcing 21 turnovers total. Even with the 21 turnovers, the Raiders were not able to capitalize on their opportunities as they struggled offensively shooting 24.2 percent from the field.
Shultz had a solid game offensively and defensively, seven points, seven rebounds, five steals and a block with 36 minutes played. Redshirt freshman Tianna Daye had a strong performance offensively as she led the team in points with 10 points, and had three rebounds in 33 minutes played.
Head coach David Glazer was not able to be reached for comment.
The Raiders look to get a bounce-back victory on Saturday, Feb 15 at 1 p.m. at Ford Fieldhouse against Marian University-Ancilla.
