The Roadrunners defeated the Link Year Prep Lions from Branson 99-76 Oct. 30 in the opening round of the McDonald's Classic at the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center on the Sedalia campus. The Roadrunners jumped out to an early 19-7 lead and never looked back.

"We got off to a quick start, but couldn't sustain it," said Roadrunners Head Coach Kevin Thomas. "Our defensive intensity was not very good. We were unable to get defensive stops, guard or defend ball screens like we should. To beat good teams we have to play a lot better than we did tonight. We need to raise our levels of intensity and effort another notch."

Freshman guard Duante Stephens led five Roadrunners in double-figure scoring with 21 points in his first game as a Roadrunner. Joshua Bailey contributed 16 points. Sophomore forward Clint Robinson registered a double double with 13 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Sophomore guard Ronnie Rousseau III added 12 points and tied for the team lead in assists with five in his first game at SFCC. Freshman guard Willie Jimerson Jr. registered 12 points and tied for the team lead in assists with five, also in his first game as a Roadrunner. He also pulled down nine rebounds. Robinson led the team in blocked shots with three. Jimerson led the team in steals with three.

"Once we figured out how to attack their zone, our guys made some plays and shots," said Thomas. "We have to continue to do that."

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics