Jan. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Sally Merrill led the Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team to a dominating win against Lansing Community College Saturday, while the men’s team fell in overtime.
After an even first quarter of play, the GRCC women’s team scored 23 points in the second quarter and 20 in the third, cruising to its sixth win of the season, 66-35.
Sally Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, led the GRCC for the second straight game, scoring 23 points on 9 of 22 from the field. The guard also tallied eight rebounds and four blocks.
Karissa Ferry, of Chesaning, returned to the starting lineup and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds while scoring seven points in 20 minutes of action.
The Raiders doubled up the Stars in rebounds, 56-28 and also had 14 assists to just six for the Stars. Tanyla Billips, of Grand Rapids, ended up with a career-high eight rebounds for GRCC.
GRCC bounced back from a tough game against Jackson College earlier in the week.
“I’m happy with the way our entire roster played today, as each one of our student-athletes contributed to a team victory,” coach David Glazier said. “I felt they all responded from what was an out-of-character performance on Wednesday night.”
The men's team trailed nearly the entire game, but battled back to force overtime after two free throws by Andrew Moore and a defensive stop at the end of regulation.
The Stars, led by Eastern Michigan University transfer Drew Lowder, outscored the Raiders 15-5 in the extra period, to pick up their 10th win of the season. GRCC dropped to 5-8 overall with the 108-98 loss.
Lowder scored a game-high 35 points and added eight assists, but wasn't the only one to score more than 30. Teammate Sean Cobb scored 31 points and grabbed a game-high 22 rebounds. LCC connected on 34 of 41 from the free throw line, compared to just 19 of 28 for GRCC.
Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, was one point shy of his career-high with 31 points while adding seven rebounds, four assists and four steals. Teammate Diego Ledemsa of Wyoming nearly had his first career double-double with 25 points and nine rebounds. Danyel Bibbs of Grand Rapids Union added 18 points and a team best six assists.
“I’m crushed for the guys tonight,” coach Joe Fox said. “They have played with great passion and effort the last two games, both overtime losses. But little things make the difference in tight games. We have shown we can compete, now it's time to do that little extra bit every day to help us get over the top. I'm looking forward to getting back on the court Monday night at Glen Oaks.”
The men's team is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 17 and the women are to play Jan. 19 at home against Muskegon Community College.