Men's Basketball Overcomes Halftime Deficit to Secure 82-72 Victory at Louisburg

In a competitive matchup on February 22, 2025, at Louisburg, NC, Cleveland Community College rallied from a 6-point first-half deficit to outpace the home team, Louisburg College, by a final score of 82-72. Despite a challenging shooting night from the visitors early on, a second-half surge propelled them to victory.

Louisburg College jumped out to an early lead, outscoring Cleveland 38-32 in the opening half. The home squad's defense and moderate shooting percentages kept the visitors at bay, while Cleveland's efficiency from the field was still a work in progress. The turning point came in the second half when Cleveland exploded for 50 points, eclipsing Louisburg's 34. The visitors' improved shooting—especially from beyond the arc where they hit 50% of their attempts—enabled them to erase the deficit and pull ahead. Although Cleveland committed 18 turnovers, their offensive firepower and relentless energy more than compensated, allowing them to dictate the pace and secure the victory.

Standout Performances

For Cleveland Community College, several players stepped up:

• Jahmir Brown led the scoring with an impressive 20 points, showcasing exceptional accuracy from the field.
• Kevin Kollock contributed 14 points, including a balanced mix of perimeter and mid-range shots.
• Marcus Brown delivered a solid performance from the free-throw line, converting 8-of-10 opportunities for a total of 12 points.
• Kelan Flowers added 10 points and helped stretch the floor with 2-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc.

Louisburg College had its share of individual highlights as well. Ronald Bridges, Jr. scored 14 points, while Mykell Lawson and Nehemiah McDonald each chipped in 13 points. However, the home team's struggles with efficiency—hitting only 36% from the field and 26.9% from three—proved to be their undoing.

Cleveland's ability to adjust after halftime was the key factor in overcoming the early deficit. Their offensive adjustments, coupled with a determined second-half effort, outpaced the home side and highlighted the importance of sustained performance over the course of the game. With a commanding 82-72 win on the road, Cleveland Community College not only improved their season record but also demonstrated the resilience and skill necessary to compete against tough opponents.

This victory sets the stage for Cleveland's upcoming challenges, with the team looking to build on their momentum and refine their game management, especially in the face of strong defensive opponents like Louisburg College.