Blue Devils clinch No. 2 seed with win over Fergus Falls
Published 11:01 pm Wednesday, February 22, 2017
The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team continued its surge when it beat Minnesota State-Fergus Falls (5-21 overall, 1-12 MCAC South) 94-74 in Riverland Gym Wednesday.
The Blue Devils (19-7 overall, 10-3 MAC South) clinched the No. 2 seed in the upcoming state tournament in the win and they also tied a school record for wins in a season. RCC has a chance to break that record when it hosts Western Tech 1 p.m. Saturday.
RCC led just 22-20 early on, but it used a 26-7 run to close the first half and take over the game. After the fast start, the Blue Devils were able to empty their bench in the second half.
Riverland’s Mark Manyuon heads in for a layup against Minnesota State-Fergus Falls Wednesday night at Riverland. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“I think this game boosted our confidence even more and we got some guys minutes who don’t usually play that much,” RCC sophomore Donte Makazu, who had six points and eight rebounds, said. “We’re feeling pretty good. We’re the underdogs going into the tournament but we have a talented group.”
A total of 12 players scored in the win for RCC, which has now won seven of its last eight games. RCC head coach Derek Hahn said it was nice to have a couple of low stress games down the stretch instead of having to battle to get into the playoffs.
Last year, RCC advanced to the tournament for the first time in 17 years.
“It’s a lot less stressful than what I’m used to going down the stretch,” Hahn said. “A lot of times in my four years here these games were must wins and we’re not in that situation. It’s nice to get all of those guys in because they make my job tough in practice. We have a lot of guys who hardly ever get to take their warm ups off who are good players. They’re time is coming.”
RCC will take on the No. 3 seed from the MCAC North when it plays in the state tournament March 3-5 in Anoka.
FF 27 47 — 74
RCC 48 46 — 94
RCC scoring: Junior Stone, 21; Jace Klinkner, 19; Darius Bell, 14; Dalek Roberts, 8; Abdibari Abdikadir, 6; Donte Makazu, 6; Mark Manyuon, 4; Sam Kuany, 4; Kyler Paulson, 4; Cecil Ausley, 3; Jef Moise, 3; James Landherr, 2; free throws: 67 percent (14-for-21); rebounds: Makazu, 8); turnovers: 7
Riverland’s Darius Bell drives during the first half against Minnesota State-Fergus Falls Wednesday night. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
