In an exhilarating college basketball showdown held at Yetis Arena on February 12, 2025, Cleveland Community College emerged victorious against Catawba Valley Community College with a commanding score of 95-73. This win marks a significant achievement for Cleveland, improving their season record to 13-8, while Catawba Valley's record fell to 12-12.
The game started on a competitive note, with Catawba Valley taking a slight lead in the first half, ending it at 41-38. However, Cleveland made a remarkable comeback in the second half, outscoring their opponents 57-32, demonstrating their offensive prowess and strategic adjustments.
Cleveland's success was largely attributed to their superior shooting performance, achieving a field goal percentage of 46.8% compared to Catawba Valley's 32.5%. Elijah Burnett was a standout performer for Cleveland, contributing 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. His efficient shooting and playmaking were pivotal in securing the win. Tre Crite and Kelan Flowers also made significant contributions, scoring 12 points each.
Despite the loss, Catawba Valley's Zion Dixon showcased his skills, leading his team with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, the team's overall shooting struggles, particularly from beyond the arc, hindered their ability to keep pace with Cleveland.
Both teams displayed strong rebounding efforts, with Catawba Valley slightly edging out Cleveland with 49 rebounds to 47. However, Cleveland's ability to capitalize on turnovers and maintain a lower turnover count further solidified their control over the game.
This matchup highlighted Cleveland Community College's resilience and strategic execution, setting a positive tone for their upcoming games. Meanwhile, Catawba Valley will look to regroup and address their shooting inefficiencies as they prepare for future challenges.
