In a gripping contest on January 31, 2025, Cleveland Community College emerged victorious against Fayetteville Technical Community College with a final score of 68-59 in an intense overtime battle. The game, held at Cleveland, showcased resilience and determination from both teams, but it was Cleveland's superior performance in overtime that sealed their win.
The game began with Cleveland Community College taking an early lead, finishing the first quarter ahead at 14-9. However, Fayetteville Technical CC fought back in the second quarter, outscoring Cleveland 18-12, which led to a narrow halftime lead for Fayetteville at 27-26.
The third quarter saw Cleveland regain their momentum, scoring 18 points to Fayetteville's 16, resulting in a tight contest heading into the final quarter. Both teams scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, forcing the game into overtime with a score of 57-57.
In the overtime period, Cleveland Community College dominated, scoring 11 points while limiting Fayetteville to just 2, ultimately securing a 68-59 victory.
Cleveland's Kari Lee was a standout performer, contributing 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Sydnie Enste also made a significant impact with a double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing an impressive 25 rebounds. Jonnah Castillo added 17 points to Cleveland's tally, further solidifying their offensive efforts.
For Fayetteville Technical CC, Aaliyah Thomas led the scoring with 15 points and an impressive 20 rebounds, while Keonna Bryant added 13 points and 12 rebounds. Nyla Mitchell also contributed 12 points to Fayetteville's efforts.
Despite shooting a lower field goal percentage than Fayetteville Tech, Cleveland's ability to capitalize on free throws and its dominance in overtime proved decisive. Cleveland's defense also played a crucial role, forcing 25 turnovers from Fayetteville.
The victory marks a significant win for the Yetis, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure and highlighting key performances from their roster. As both teams look to build on this game, Cleveland will aim to maintain their momentum, while Fayetteville will seek to regroup and address the challenges faced in this closely contested matchup.
