Cleveland Community College secured a decisive victory against Sandhills Community College with a final score of 102-89. The game, held at Cleveland, showcased impressive performances from both teams, but Cleveland's offensive efficiency and defensive prowess ultimately led them to triumph.
The Yetis set the tone early, outscoring Sandhills 59-46 in the first half. Jahmir Brown was instrumental for Cleveland, contributing 22 points with a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line, while Tre Crite added 11 points and 8 rebounds, showcasing his versatility on the court.
Despite Sandhills' efforts to close the gap, Cleveland maintained their momentum in the second half, with both teams scoring 43 points. Sandhills' Antoine Piper stood out with a commendable 22 points and 14 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome Cleveland's balanced attack. Cleveland's Kyler Harris also made a significant impact off the bench, scoring 15 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
Cleveland's ability to capitalize on Sandhills' 21 turnovers, compared to their own 11, was a crucial aspect of their victory. Additionally, Cleveland's bench depth was evident, with multiple players contributing to the scoreboard. Sandhills, despite having a higher rebound count (56 to Cleveland's 48), struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly from the free-throw line, where they managed only 59.5% compared to Cleveland's 69.4%.
Cleveland Community College's victory was a testament to their cohesive team play and strategic execution. With standout performances from both starters and reserves, they demonstrated their capability to compete at a high level.
