Roadrunners battle back to defeat Pioneers

The Roadrunners got back on the winning track Nov. 22 at the Davis Center. SFCC (7-2) defeated the North Arkansas College Pioneers 99-96. 

SFCC trailed 35-26 with five minutes and 43 seconds remaining in the first half. Just before halftime, freshman guard Onteral Woodson Jr. knocked down a three-pointer to trim North Arkansas's advantage to 50-42. 

"We did not play well tonight," said Head Coach Kevin Thomas. "It was good to win a tough game, especially when we didn't play our best. We shot poorly from the free-throw line, so we were fortunate to come out on top. North Arkansas did a good job running their fast-break. We didn't do well matching up and finding their shooters. North Arkansas played hard and made plays and shots." 

In the second half, SFCC went on a 5-0 run to take a 72-71 lead after a three-point shot by Woodson, who took over the game offensively for SFCC. 

"He gave us baskets and executed offense that we definitely needed," said Thomas. "Hopefully, Onteral will continue doing this going forward. He also rebounded well from the guard position." 

With less than eight minutes in the game, North Arkansas battled back to take an 82-80 lead, but SFCC came back to take an 88-87 lead with about five and a half minutes remaining. The game featured 16 lead changes and eight ties. 

Woodson led four Roadrunners in double figures with 28 points. He also pulled down eight rebounds and recorded three assists. Freshman guard Russell Baker contributed 19 points and six assists. Sophomore guard Vonny Irvin registered a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. He also led in assists with seven and tied for lead in steals with freshman forward Jamar Kemp with three apiece. Kemp made a pair of clutch defensive plays down the stretch. Sophomore guard Corey Mendez added 12 points. Every Roadrunner who played in the game scored. 

SFCC returns to action Nov. 25-26 in the Midwest Bone and Joint Center Classic in Moberly. On Friday SFCC will take on Highland Community College, and on Saturday they play against Life Prep Academy. Tipoff is 3 p.m. for both games. 

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics