Frustrating.
That is how Head Coach Joel Wooton described the SCC Storm’s 62-53 loss to Southwestern Community College, Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Truman Center.
“We couldn’t make a shot within two feet,” Wooton said.
The Storm went ice cold from the field, hitting only 25 percent, despite having a 23-3 offensive rebounding advantage.
The Spartans shot 41 percent from the field, but did the most damage at the free throw line, hitting 21 of 24 shots.
Coach Wooton said that Southwestern’s style of play frustrated the Storm.
“They put 4 guys in the middle of the paint, “ Wooton explained, “and when you cut, they don’t let you get to the rim very easily…so we became impatient and took bad shots.”
There were five lead changes in the first half as Southwestern took a 29-28 halftime lead.
SCC’s shooting woes continued into the second half, and the Spartans took advantage by outscoring the Storm 33-25 after halftime.
Tyrell Corlew notched a double/double, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.
“Tyrell has probably been our most consistent player the last two months,” Wooton said. “He is taking better shots, and he just keeps getting better and better.”
Trey Porter, who has battled injuries recently, was cleared by the doctor to play. Porter had six points and five rebounds in 24 minutes of action.
The loss to Southwestern marks the third time SCC has lost to an opponent at home while beating the same team on the road.
“We do play better on the road,” Wooton said. “We seem to play looser for some reason.”
The make-up game at Brown Mackie scheduled for Monday, Feb. 25, has been postponed, but the Storm will travel to Central Community College, Sunday, March 3, to play a Region 9 playoff game.