Roadrunners earn come-from-behind victory to close regular season

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners earned a Region 16 victory on Homecoming over the Mineral Area College Cardinals 69-62 in overtime, inside the Davis Center on Saturday night, Feb. 25. The Cardinals are receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division I Poll. The back-and-forth contest featured 11 lead changes and 11 ties.

SFCC (9-20, 3-9 in Region 16) trailed 32-30 at halftime. The Cardinals led 58-54 with 1:11 remaining in regulation. Sophomore guard Jules Bikoy knocked down a huge three-point shot and drew a foul with 12.1 seconds remaining in regulation.  Bikoy made the free-throw to complete the four-point play and tie the game at 60, with 12 seconds remaining. Mineral Area missed a shot on the final possession to send the game into overtime. The Roadrunners outscored the Cardinals 9-2 in overtime to secure the victory.

"I thought our kids believed the whole night," said Roadrunners Head Coach Matt Brown. "We got into foul trouble early in the game and we just kept battling and battling. I'm really proud of our guys. That is a really good win for our kids and a nice way to finish out the season at home. Jules Bikoy hit a big shot for us. Dalton Gayman had some good rebounds and finished around the basket for us. Our kids believed tonight, and they were really hungry."

Bikoy led the team in scoring with 18 points. Tazir Smith contributed 15. Gayman added 14 points and a team-high eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Devon Ellis scored 10 points.

SFCC will begin postseason play with a Region 16 Quarterfinal on the road against Missouri State University-West Plains on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

David Rohrbach

SFCC Athletics