Local Sports Journal

The Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team is on a roll.

The Jayhawks have now won six games in a row, and 12 out of their last 13, following an 81-76 victory over Ancilla College on Saturday and an 87-72 win over Jackson Community College on Monday.

MCC is now 16-3 overall and 6-1 in conference play.

The Jayhawks had to come from behind to gain the victory on Saturday.

They struggled in the first half with sluggish play and turnovers, resulting in a 39-33 halftime deficit. But they recovered in the second half and grabbed the narrow victory.

“We got into them pretty hard at halftime and I was pleased with the way we responded,” said MCC Coach Dave Schlump. “I’m happy with the win.”

Eddie Tornes led the Jayhawks with 22 points and seven rebounds. Aaron Syndor added 18 points and Justin Kennedy collected 17 points, six rebounds, and blocked six shots. 

On Monday, the lead changed hands eight times in the first half before MCC, shooting 50 percent from two-point range and 60 percent from 3-point land, opened up a 46-30 halftime lead.

Jackson pulled within nine points in the second half before the Jayhawks clinched the win.

MCC was led by Deshawn Sanders with 21 points and six assists. Tornes dropped in 20 points while Kennedy continued his impressive post play with 15 points.

Sydnor recorded his seventh double-double of the season with 11 points and 13 rebounds.