Mar. 1, 2022, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Grand Rapids Community College women's basketball team advanced to the semi-finals of the Great Lakes A District Championship after a gritty 70-62 victory over Glen Oaks Community College on Tuesday.
"Proud of how our kids battled tonight," Coach David Glazier said. "Gritty win and what turned out to be a solid all-around performance in a win-or-be-done situation. Looking forward to the challenge that is in front of us on Friday."
GRCC improved to 19-10 while Glen Oaks ended their season with an 8-20 record.
The Vikings, coming off a victory on Monday, came out strong and out-scored GRCC in the first half 15-13. But GRCC responded by out-scoring the opponents 17-11 in the second period to have a 30-26 lead at the break.
GRCC went on a 5-0 run to begin the third quarter and never looked back, leading by 14 points on three occasions.
Glen Oaks fought back late in the game, coming within four points at 64-60. But GRCC point guard Marlene Bussler drilled her third three-pointer on the ensuing possession to put the game out of reach.
Bussler was solid in all phases of the game, scoring 17 points, grabbing nine rebounds and getting a season-high six steals.
GRCC now is heading to the semi-finals for the fifth-straight season.
Grace Lodes, who missed the last two games, had a big night, dropping in 12 points, grabbing 10 rebounds and leading the team with five assists.
Sally Merrill played all 40 minutes, scoring a team-high 22 points and grabbing seven rebounds.
Allison Kellogg came off the bench, shooting 50% from the field and 80% from the free throw line, totaling 12 points and 11 rebounds in 22 minutes.
The team will take on Jackson for the third time this season after the Jets won their tournament opener on Tuesday by 12 over Ancilla College. The game will be played at Mott Community College in Flint at 1 p.m. on March 4.