Hot Shooting Leads to 3rd Straight Win

On Saturday afternoon the SCTCC Cyclones played host to the MN-West Community College Blue Jays.  In their last meeting the game was decided on a last-second buzzer-beating shot by the Blue Jays, giving them a 2 point win.  The Cyclones knew coming in that this would be a close game, and it certainly was. 

The first half began the right way for the home team, as SCTCC jumped out to an early 15-6 lead.  The starting back-court led the way in the opening half as Freshman Jett Leaf (Howard Lake, MN) and Freshman Riley West (Lakeville, MN) both poured in 14 points including a combined 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.  Costly turnovers kept the game within reach however, as the Blue Jays capitalized on 10 Cyclone turnovers, and converted them into 16 points.  MN-West was able to shoot a very high percentage in the first half, 60%, and finished the half down 46-44.  The Cyclones countered with 50% shooting, including 8 three-pointers.

The second half saw both team make some great runs offensively.  The Cyclones went on a 12-3 run out of the break, but that was short lived lead as MN-West worked its way back into the game with some three-point shooting of its own.  SCTCC regained their focus and began to rally together defensive stops, holding the visitors to 31.7% shooting in the second half.  On the offensive side of things,the Cyclones tied a season high for assists as a team with 24.  Riley West had 9 assists for the second game in a row, Jared Noonan (Richfield, MN) had 6, and Jett Leaf added 4.  Freshman Alex Matchinsky (St.Cloud, MN) came off the bench with 16 points, including 3-of-5 from three.  Noonan led the way with 26 points, West 22, and Leaf with 19.  SCTCC converted on a season-high 12 three-pointers, and ended the night shooting 48% from the field.

The Cyclones will finish up the home schedule on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm vs Minnesota State-Fergus Falls. 

Game Stats vs MN-West