Strong Second Half Propels MCC over Montcalm

The Muskegon Community College Jayhawks captured their second nail-biting win in a row, this time against the Montcalm Community College Centurions, 79-75 thanks to a strong second half team performance. The Jayhawks were running rampant in the first half trying to keep up with the convoluted Montcalm offense and their talented perimeter shooters led by guard Taylen Carver. Carver was able to get to his scoring spots in the first half and led all scorers with 18. Thanks to Carver's first half scoring outburst, the Centurions were able to put together offensive runs, but scoring inputs from a multitude of Jayhawks led by sophomore forward Joe Russau's 16-point effort kept the game close. The Centurions narrowly led 41-37 heading into halftime.

The second half featured numerous lead changes, and the Jayhawks led 75-73 with just 1:20 remaining on the game clock. A Muskegon foul gave Montcalm two free throws that tied the game at 75 with 33 seconds remaining. After using much of the shot clock on the next possession, Muskegon's Joe Russau was fouled trying to get open, sending him to the line. Russau calmly sank both free throws to give the Jayhawks the lead, 77-75. For the second game in a row the Jayhawks had to rely on their defense to close out the game. The Jayhawks exhibited a great degree of communication and team defense for ten straight seconds, and they managed to force a Montcalm turnover. Sophomore guard Kevon Washington would then go on to ice the game by knocking down two free throws following the Montcalm turnover with just two seconds left on the game clock. The win pushes the Jayhawks record to 14-9 overall and 7-2 in conference play. Russau was a pivotal player for Muskegon, finishing with 24 points and nine rebounds. Washington added 20 points and sophomore forward Will Chye contributed 14 points and seven rebounds. Freshman forward Ny'Zhem Marshall extended his double-double streak, ending the game with 13 points, ten rebounds, five steals and two blocks. The Jayhawks' next matchup is against Bay College at Bartels-Rhode Gymnasium on Saturday, February 15th. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM.

 

 

 

 

                      1st            2nd          Final

MCC            37            42             79

MONT         41            34             75