LocalSportsJournal.com
The Muskegon Community College men’s basketball team is one victory away from qualifying for the national tournament.
The Jayhawks overcame cold shooting and a halftime deficit to defeat Lake Michigan College 77-72 on Friday at Delta College in Saginaw in a regional semifinal game.
MCC, now 24-6, with face Lansing Community College on Saturday for the regional championship at 5:30 p.m. The winner will advance to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division 2 tournament.
The Jayhawks trailed 33-31 at halftime due to cold shooting. That situation didn’t improve in the second half, and MCC finished the game shooting only 35 percent from the floor.
But the Jayhawks used defensive pressure to force a lot of turnovers and get transition baskets in the second half. They built a 12-point lead, watched Lake Michigan rally, then sealed the victory with free throws down the stretch by Will Roberson, Terrance Cosby and Mike Williams.
“What a great win for this team,” said MCC Coach Dave Schlump. “We just battled and made the plays when it ultimately mattered most, which is what good teams do this time of year.”
Eddie Tornes paced the Jayhawks with 21 points while Roberson finished with 20 points and seven assists.
