Thrilling Finish as STLCC Edges Past North Central Missouri College

In an exhilarating matchup on February 22, 2025, St. Louis Community College narrowly defeated North Central Missouri College with a final score of 81-80. The game, held at St. Louis Community College, showcased a tightly contested battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

Both teams finished the first half deadlocked at 40 points each, setting the stage for a dramatic second half. St. Louis Community College managed to outscore North Central Missouri College by a single point in the second half, securing their victory.

The standout performer for St. Louis Community College was Zac Goss, who scored 22 points, shooting an impressive 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. Darric Smith also contributed significantly with 16 points, while Justin Barsh added 10 points off the bench. The team shot 57.9% from the field and an impressive 83.3% from the free-throw line, which proved crucial in their narrow win.

North Central Missouri College was led by Tyler King, who put on a stellar performance with 32 points, making 12 of his 16 field goal attempts. Giovanni Mack also had a strong showing with 15 points and 8 assists. Despite their efforts, the team struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 60.6% of their attempts.

Statistically, St. Louis Community College had a higher field goal percentage and fewer rebounds compared to their opponents, but they committed more turnovers. However, their efficiency from the free-throw line and three-point range helped them edge out the victory.

Head Coach Terry Collins praised his team's resilience and toughness throughout the season, especially considering they are all freshmen. "This group has shown incredible grit and determination," Collins said. "They've faced numerous challenges and have grown stronger with each game. Their ability to stay composed under pressure and execute when it matters most is a testament to their hard work and dedication."

Next up for the Archers is the Region 16 tournament, where they will have a rematch with North Central Missouri College on Friday, February 28th at 5:00 PM in Trenton, Mo.

This intense matchup highlighted the competitive spirit and skill of both teams, making it a memorable game for players and fans alike.