Back to Back Recap: Tri-C and Terra State

The Tri-C Men's Basketball team and the Terra State Titans faced off twice in three days as the Tops traveled to Fremont on Saturday afternoon, while the Titans visited Cleveland for a President's Day special.

The results were markedly different as the Tops let a critical OCCAC game slip away in the second half on Saturday.  They led 37-27 at the break but were outscored 47-30 in the second half to lose to the Titans.  Devin Haid continued his outstandin season by scorin 26 and adding 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.  Also in double figures were, Jamail Spivey (10) and Jordan Persad (12).  Tyishawn Smiley contributed with 9 points but 12 rebounds for the Tops but it was not enough.

What a difference a day made as the Tops. after a slow start on Monday, rolled to a 83-56 victory on Monday at the Metro Gymnasium.  Tyishawn Smiley was outstanding with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the game.  Jamail Spivey provided the spark the Tops needed by coming off the bench and scoring 18 points.  The Tops can always count on their big three as Devin Haid (16 points, 10 rebounds), Manny Hill (11 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) and playing his last home game in a Tops uniform, Jordan Persad (12 points, 5 steals) provided the balanced scoring that the Tops needed.  Tallice Landers played tough off the bench after missing Saturday's game with an injury and had 5 points and 5 rebounds.

The Tops finish their home season by going 12-1 inside the friendly confines of the Metro Gymnasium with their only loss to league leading and nationally ranked, Lakeland, 99-96 in overtime.  Overall the Tops stand at 23-6 and 11-4 in the OCCAC, but 7-4 within the Division II teams within the conference.  The Top 3 Division 2 teams qualify to the regional tournaments being held in Flint, Michigan at Mott CC.  Because of tiebreakers in place, the Terra State at Hocking game on Wednesday night will most likely determine whether the Tops stay in the mix with their final game of the seaoson coming up Saturday at last place Clark State at 1 pm.  Stay tuned!