MBK: Tops Clip Eagles, 127-90

In the final home game for 5 graduating sophomores the Tri-C Men's Basketball team defeated Clark State, 127-90 on Saturday afternoon at the Metro Campus Gymnasium.

The Tops Ezra McKee saved one of his best games for his last. Mckee scored 24 points grabbed seven rebounds and maintained his composure after picking up his fourth foul mid-way through the second half.  Devonte Greene joined McKee with 22 points (11 rebounds) and made his first three pointer of the season. The nation's second leading field goal percent leader preserved his position and helped the Tops record a 75 point second half.

The Tops explosive offense clicked on all cylinders after a slim 52-48 halftime lead. Marcos Vazquez kept the team involved offensively and defensively (6 rebounds) while pouring in 19 points and leading the team with 9 assists. Sophomore Donovan Coffey rained down threes to the tune of 17 points (5 assist, 4 rebounds) and again displayed stellar defensive play. Coffey hit his first two attempts and forced the defense to rotate towards him in the corner which left the lane wide open for Howard Jeffries to operate and eat up the paint for 14 points. Coffey said, "Realizing this was my last home game with my brothers, I wanted today to be special." Coffey was in a good rhythm and Vazquez knew exactly where to get him and Jeffries the ball.

Manny Hill knew this was his last game in this building. He did not disappoint, his 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks were special. "We stuck together through adversity and scored a season high in points in a half'" Hill said.

The Tops exploded for 75 second-half points and put a bow on season two of their return. Mikael Hill chipped in eight points in his final home game and logged 24 minutes on sophomore night.

The Tops (23-7, 12-4) finished third in the conference for the second consecutive time and swept the Eagles for the second straight season. The Tops will be a very dangerous #3 seed in the NJCAA Region XII Tournament next weekend.

Up Next: The Tops face a familiar foe, the Kalamazoo Cougars on 8 March 2024 in the regionals at Mott Community College 8pm tip-off time.