MBK Weekend Wrap: Tops take Two at North Central Michigan Tourney

The Tri-C Men's Basketball team improved to 4 – 1 with a pair of wire-to-wire wins against the North Central Michigan Timberwolves, and the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders during North Central Michigan's Tip Off Tournament.

 

The Tops teetered with both teams until finally taking control last in each half  The Tops defeated NMCC, 101-62. Devonte Greene once again brought energy and defense in both games while also nailing his first three-pointer for the season. Greene finished game one with a team-high in points and rebounds (19 pts, 6 boards). Greene was joined in double figures by Pharrell House (16), Howard 'Jayden' Jefferies (15),Ezra McKee (10), and Mikael Hill (10).  

Game two was more of the same as Ezra McKee and Greene posted identical double-doubles with 18 points and 12 rebounds respectively as Tri-C rolled to a 95-82 victory over GRCC. Clayton Cunningham flirted with a triple-double in game two finishing with 17 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Other game two double digit scores, Pharrell House (10) and Howard 'Jayden' Jeffries (10)

Coach Nixon switched up his presses during the weekend. At times the Tops backed off, blitzed, or dropped into zone coverage, this kept both teams off balance. The strategic tempo change resulted in 18 forced turnovers in game one that the Tops gladly capitalized on. The Tops took care of the ball (seven turnovers) and shot 54% from the field (38% from deep).  

In game two against the Grand Rapids Community College Raiders, the Tops remained steadfast in their presses and traps and crushed the Raiders on the boards 61-31. The Tops also finished game two with 23 assists to only 10 turnovers.

The Tops return home on 29 Nov 2023 to face conference foe Hocking at the Metro gym. Admission is free come support the TOPS!!!