Cyclones Post Victory at Hibbing

The SCTCC Cyclones men's basketball team traveled to Hibbing Community College on Friday night.  This was the team's final game before break, as they will finish up the final exams next week.  The Cyclones looked to even the season series with the Cardinals after taking a tough overtime loss at home in their first match-up on November 21.

The Cyclones found themselves in a hole during the early stages of the first half, as they fell behind by 12.  After a timeout, the Cyclones regrouped, and fought their way back into the game.  Freshman point guard Riley West (Lakeville, MN) bounced back from an early ankle injury, and led the Cyclones in first half scoring with 14 points.  Jared Noonan (Richfield, MN) had 10 points.  The first half ended up with the two teams all tied up at 40-40.

SCTCC took an early lead in the second half on an inside basket from freshman Nate Vang (Eyota, MN).  The lead was short lived as the Cardinals would connect on their next 4 field goals (3-3 3FGs).  Once again, SCTCC had to come from behind.  After tying the game up with 4 minutes remaining, the Cyclones would continue to get stops on the defensive end.  In the end, the game was won at the free throw line.  Freshman Zach Jiskra (Sartell, MN) would step in an knock down 2 free throws with just over a minute on the clock.  Nate Vang was fouled after rebounding a Cardinal miss, and would go 2-2 from the line with under a minute remaining to put the Cyclones up 3.  After securing another rebound with 7.8 seconds remaining, Riley West would step to the line with the Cyclones up 3.  He hit both free throws to push the lead to 5, where it would end up 76-71.

Team defense was the constant for the Cyclones as they held the home team to 32% shooting on the night.  On the offensive end, although the Cyclones would struggle from the floor (42% FG), but it would be enough in the end to secure the victory on the road.
Game Stats vs Hibbing

The Cyclones finish up the first semester going 5-6, winning their last 3 games in a row.  The next game will be a rematch with NJCAA #3 ranked Vermillion CC in Brainerd on January 4.