DANVILLE, Ill. - Johnson County Community College closed out its season Saturday with a 104-93 loss to Lansing Community College in the 7th/8th place game at the NJCAA Division II Men's Basketball National Tournament.
The Cavaliers battled throughout but were unable to keep pace with a red-hot Lansing offense, which shot better than 51 percent from the field and knocked down 12 three-pointers in the contest.
Lansing seized control in the first half, building a lead behind efficient shooting and perimeter scoring. The Stars led 45-37 at the break, fueled by strong outside shooting and a balanced scoring attack.
Johnson County responded in the second half, scoring 56 points and cutting into the deficit multiple times. However, Lansing elevated its play down the stretch, shooting 63.3 percent in the final 20 minutes to maintain its advantage and secure the win.
Zander Woodruff led all scorers with a dominant 41-point performance, connecting on 7-of-11 from beyond the arc and a perfect 6-for-6 at the free throw line. Ben Smith added 17 points, while DeAndre Berry chipped in 16 off the bench as Lansing received 46 bench points.
Johnson County had six players score in double figures, led by Gavin Harvey with 19 points and five assists. Avian Webb added 18 points off the bench, including three three-pointers, while Trey Fulcher scored 17 points and Tavian Cruse contributed 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds. It was his 19th double-double which tied for the season record at JCCC. Joey Robinson contributed 11 points and Bryce Walker finished with 10.
Despite shooting a solid 48.1 percent from the field and outscoring Lansing in the paint 56-42, the Cavaliers were hurt by the Stars' efficiency from beyond the arc and at the free throw line.
Johnson County also forced turnovers that led to 19 points, but Lansing countered with strong second-chance production and timely shot-making to keep the Cavaliers at bay.
The loss brings an end to Johnson County's season, as the Cavaliers finish their national tournament run with an eighth-place finish and a 31-3 record, tying the most wins for a season in program history.