Dec. 10, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College men's basketball team finished off a perfect first half of the season with a 12-point victory on Saturday against former Western Conference foe Lake Michigan College, 83-71.
With the win, the Raiders improved to a 10-0 start, the team’s best start since the 2000-2001 season, when it started 13-0.
"I can't really put into words how proud I am of the effort these guys have brought the last two games,” coach Joe Fox said. “They complimented each other both offensively and defensively, and they stayed positive the whole week. I can't even pick out a specific performance to highlight, as all five guys contributed in serious ways. Raider basketball is a culture of effort, energy and enthusiasm and these guys embodied that this week. My assistant coaches also did a tremendous job game-planning this week."
Lake Michigan went into the locker room up 39-37 at the break, but GRCC went on a 19-2 run in the second half to put the game out of reach for the visitors.
GRCC shot 58 percent from the field in the second half while holding the Red Hawks to just 38 percent.
Freshman Bashir Neely was the game's leading scorer for the second time in three games, finishing 7-of-16 from the floor and 8-of-8 from the free throw stripe for a total of 24 points.
Detroit native Jordan Houser recorded his first career double-double, with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Sophomore Chris Coleman of Saginaw had career-highs in points with 22, rebounds with seven and steals with three.
Jajuan Walker nearly had another double-double with 19 points on an efficient eight-of-11 shooting, and eight rebounds.
GRCC will have the next three weeks before returning to the court in Detroit on Jan. 4 at 7 p.m. in a rematch against Community Christian College.