Roadrunners snap losing streak

Nov. 22 Neosho County Community College at Sedalia

The State Fair Community College (SFCC) Roadrunners snapped a four-game losing streak, defeating Neosho County Community College in a hard-fought game 57-52 at home Wednesday night, Nov.22. The battle featured five lead changes and four ties.

SFCC took a 28-27 lead at halftime. The Roadrunners took a 52-40 lead in the second half. The 12-point advantage was the largest lead held by either team. Neosho trimmed the advantage to 55-52 with 93 seconds remaining.

Freshman guard Alex Gunnels picked up a big steal with 11 seconds on the clock to secure the victory.

"Our freshmen made free throws at the end of the game," said Roadrunners Head Coach Matt Brown. We shot 83% from the free-throw line as a team. We are shooting way too many three-point shots. I thought Alex Gunnels was able to get to the rim and knock down some free throws. We will take it with 15 new guys, every day is a new learning experience."

Freshman guard Steven Samuels led the team with 14 points. Freshman forward Thomas Diew and sophomore forward Cliff Barrow added 11 points each. Sophomore center James Munlyn recorded a team-high seven rebounds. Freshman guard Mosa Osagie had a team-high three assists. Gunnels registered a team-high three steals.

Nov. 24 Vincennes University at Moberly

SFCC fell to fifth-ranked Vincennes 78-69 in the opening portion of the Moberly Classic in Moberly, on Friday, Nov. 24. The game featured 17 lead changes and nine ties.

Vincennes held onto to a 38-36 lead at halftime and made enough plays down the stretch to secure the victory.

Gunnels had a good all-around game for SFCC. He led the team with 19 points, seven assists and three steals – all team highs. Diew contributed 17 points. Barrow chipped in with 14 points. Freshman forward Isaiah Jackson pulled down a team-high nine rebounds.

Nov. 25 Highland Community College-Illinois at Moberly

SFCC (4-7) closed their portion of the Moberly Classic with a 75-55 loss to Highland Community College-Illinois in Moberly on Saturday, Nov. 25. Highland is receiving votes in the latest NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Poll. The game featured two lead changes and four ties.

Highland led 33-29 at halftime and pushed the lead to 25 points in the second half for the victory.

Munlyn led the team in scoring with 10 points. Barrow and freshman forward Felly Njilayi tied for the team lead in rebounds with six each. Gunnels and Barrow tied for the team lead in assists with four each.

David Rohrbach  SFCC Athletics