Men’s Basketball: Merwick Nails Game Winner

Derek Merwick made a driving layup with 13 second remaining to lift the Raiders to a 70-69 win over visiting Iowa Western Community College on Tuesday.

The first half was close throughout with CCC's largest lead of 26-17 coming at the 9:43 mark. Iowa Western held a slim 41-39 halftime advantage and things stayed the same in the second half. With just over two minutes remaining, CCC's Blake Daberkow hit a three-point basket to give the Raiders a 68-65 lead. IWCC's Max Polk answered back with a three-pointer to tie the game at 68 apiece with 1:41 to go. With 67 seconds remaining, Daberkow fouled Polk, who made one-of-two free throws to give the Reivers a one-point advantage, 69-68. Merwick (pictured) had a chance to give the Raiders the lead with 24 seconds to go, but his try was no good. Following a timeout, Merwick scored the game-winning layup to put CCC up, 70-69. Iowa Western had two looks at the basket over the final 12 seconds, but neither went in and time ran out.

"We earned the win tonight against a very good basketball team," said CCC head coach John Ritzdorf. "Derek played great, and it was cool seeing him hit the game-winning shot."

Trey Deveaux led the CCC scoring attack with 17 points while Daberkow posted 15 points. Merwick made 14 points and Jayden Byabato finished with 11 points.

The win is the Raiders' fourth win in a row and gives them a record of 6-1.

This weekend, CCC will take part in the ICCC Classic hosted by Iowa Central Community College. On Friday, the Raiders will battle Kirkwood Community College at 3 p.m. On Saturday, CCC will meet the host Tritons at 6 p.m.