Jan. 30 Metropolitan Community College at Sedalia
The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Lady Roadrunners lost 76-71 to the Metropolitan Community College Wolves on Wednesday, Jan. 30 inside the Fred E. Davis Multipurpose Center.
The game featured 10 lead changes and eight ties, including a 34-34 score at halftime. Metropolitan Community College took a three-point lead at the end of the third quarter and made the necessary plays down the stretch to hang on for the victory.
"Throughout the game, when we would get an opportunity to take the lead, Metropolitan Community College would hit a shot," said Lady Roadrunners Basketball Head Coach Kevin Bucher. "We missed 11 uncontested layups. It is hard to set up your press or trap when you miss layups. We tried every defense you could possibly try, there comes a point when you just have to get defensive stops."
Sophomore guard Monique Esbrand of London, England registered a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. She also led her team in steals with three. Sophomore guard Jazzmyn Elston of Rossville, Georgia added 17 points and dished out a team-high four assists. Freshman guard Nokoia White of Ennis, Texas pulled down a team-high 13 rebounds.
"Monique played very well," said Bucher. "She is a player who shows a lot of heart and wants to compete."
Feb. 1 Jefferson College at Hillsboro, Missouri
The SFCC Lady Roadrunners snapped an eight game losing streak with an 82-54 victory over the Jefferson College Lady Vikings in Hillsboro on Friday, Feb. 1. The game was part of the Region 16 and Missouri Community College Athletic Conference (MCCAC) schedule.
"It was good to see the players come out and play hard," said Bucher. "We are really starting to get some production from our post players."
Elston led SFCC in scoring with 28 points. Esbrand contributed 21 points. Freshman forward Sahara Bamba of New York, New York pitched in with 11 points.
Feb. 2 Three Rivers Community College at Poplar Bluff, Missouri
The SFCC Lady Roadrunners lost an 80-68 decision to the Three Rivers Community College Lady Raiders on Saturday, Feb. 2 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The Region 16 and MCCAC game opened the new Libla Family Sports Complex.
The Lady Raiders scored six unanswered points to end the first quarter and led 24-19. The lead grew 48-36 at halftime.
"It was a great game," said Bucher. "Both teams struggled to shoot the ball with the gym being brand-new, but we kept the game close. We missed our post players a few times when they were open. We had our opportunities. Our kids fought all the way to the end. We just want to continue to see improvement the rest of the season."
Three Rivers is currently at the top of the standings in Region 16.
SFCC (5-14, 1-5 in Region 16, 1-6 in the MCCAC) was led in scoring by Elston with 22 points and she also registered a team-high four steals. Bamba pitched in with 13 points. Esbrand added 11 points. White pulled down a team-high seven rebounds. White and sophomore guard Farah Mesidor of Kissimmee, Florida dished out three assists each.
David Rohrbach
SFCC Athletics