Roadrunners split a pair of games at the Meskwaki Classic

The Roadrunners participated in the Meskwaki Classic Nov. 11-12 in Marshalltown, Iowa. SFCC (4-1) defeated Graceland University JV on Friday 111-61. On Saturday, SFCC took on the host Marshalltown Community College Tigers and dropped a hard-fought 77-76 game to close out the classic. 

SFCC jumped out to an early 13-2 lead against Graceland and never looked back. The Roadrunners used their smothering defense to force 22 Graceland turnovers. 

"Our pressure really bothered Graceland," said Roadrunners Head Coach Kevin Thomas. "We were able to get some easy baskets in transition. Our intensity was where it needed to be to start the game." 

Sophomore guard Willie Jimerson Jr. led five Roadrunners in double-figure scoring with 45 points. He shot 14 of 18 from the field, 13 of 16 from the free-throw line and knocked down four three-point shots. Freshman guard Lorenzo Lawrence II contributed 22 points, and sophomore guard Vonny Irvin added 14. Irvin finished his double-double with 10 rebounds and recorded a team-high six assists. Sophomore forward Amir Smith registered a double-double with 14 points and a team-high 13 rebounds. Smith led the team in blocks with six. Sophomore guard Corey Mendez pitched in 13 points, and freshman center Isaac Bassey snatched 10 rebounds. 

"Our guys shared the ball well against Graceland," said Thomas. "We were able to get more guys involved. Willie scored a lot of points, but everyone contributed." 

On Saturday, SFCC led Marshalltown 37-26 with two minutes and 50 seconds remaining in the first half and took a nine-point lead into halftime. 

"We executed well and controlled the game the first half," said Thomas. "Our press was effective against Marshalltown, and we made them turn the ball over." 

However, Marshalltown refused to give up and battled back to take a 68-66 lead with under five minutes remaining in the game. 

SFCC got a defensive stop with 15.7 seconds on the clock and trailed Marshalltown 77-76. The Roadrunners had two opportunities in the final possession of the game but could not convert. 

The Roadrunners were led in scoring by Jimerson with 19 points, and Smith contributed 15. Irvin added 14 points, pulled down a team-high seven rebounds and logged a team-high four assists. Freshman guard Onteral Woodson Jr. pitched in 10 points. Freshman forward Jamar Kemp and Smith tied for the team lead in blocked shots with two each. Irvin and Smith tied for the team lead with four steals apiece.

 SFCC's next game is 7 p.m. Nov. 15 against Southeastern Community College in the Davis Center. 

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics