The Central Community College men's basketball team held Cloud County Community College to only two points over the final two and a half minutes of regulation, en route to a 71-65 win.

The first half was close throughout, with the Raiders holding on to a 31-28 lead at halftime over the NJCAA Division I T-Birds. In the second half, CCC built up a double-digit lead with 9:36 to play when Marquis Dotson scored on a slam dunk to make it 60-50. CCCC then went on a 9-2 run over the next 5:35 to pull to within three points, 62-59, with just over four minutes to play. The Raiders' defense clamped down and CCC left town with the six-point victory.

"We played with tremendous effort tonight," said CCC head coach Jerry Drymon. "Our defensive focus was outstanding and we rebounded at a high level. We played with lots of composure despite being in a hostile crowd with a bunch of freshman playing in their first college game. We are always excited when we can beat a DI program."

The Raiders shot 43 percent (23-53) from the floor, while holding the T-Birds to 35 percent (27-78) field goal shooting. CCC had a slight edge in rebounding over CCCC, 43-40.

Jaxon Simons led four CCC players in double figures with 16 points. Malik Mooving and Bennet Nelson each logged 14 points, while Latrell Talley tallied a double-double with 13 points and 13 boards.

CCCC's Alvin Thompson led all scorers with 18 points.

The 1-0 Raiders will stage their home opener tonight by hosting Mount Marty JV at Raider Fieldhouse. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. The men's game is preceded by the CCC women's basketball game against Mount Marty JV at 6 p.m.

(photo courtesy of Cloud County Community College Sports Information.)