The Raiders from Central Lakes College-Brainerd used a strong second half (including out-scoring GCC 21-8 in the third quarter) to defeat the GCC Samsons on Tuesday, January 24th at the Lindquist Center.  

The Samsons got on the scoreboard first, as Emily Nelson hit a long jumper a minute and a half into the game.  The Raiders immediately tied the score with a quick jumper, but then GCC went on a run.  Hanna Hoskin drilled a 3-pointer, Nelson hit two free throws and Kylee Hewitt hit a mid-ranger jumper to give the Samsons a 9-2 lead.  Although the Raiders scored inside on their next possession, Nelson hit a 3-pointer the next time down the court giving the Samsons an eight-point lead which would be GCC's largest lead of the game.  With GCC up on the Raiders 12-4, CLC-Brainerd upped their intensity and took control in the final minutes of the quarter.  The Raiders hit a 3-pointer that not only gave them their first lead, but it was also a lead they wouldn't relinquish for the remainder of the game. 

The Raiders carried their positive momentum into the second quarter, as their lead grew to five.  After scores inside from Nelson and Hewitt, the Samsons cut the lead to 3 points (21-18) with six minutes to go in the quarter.  This is the closest the Samsons would get to the Raiders for the remainder of the game.  Although GCC continued to battle, their defensive lapses allowed the Raiders to finish the first half with a 7-point lead (33-26)

CLC-Brainerd outscored GCC 21-8 in the third quarter and 17-10 in the fourth quarter, as the Raiders cruised to a 71-44 victory.  The Raiders outrebounded the Samsons 53-42, and they forced 25 GCC turnovers.   Emily Nelson had a double-double on the night with 15 points and 13 rebounds.  Kylee Hewitt chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds for the Samsons.  

The Samsons (13-3) head to Madison College on Thursday, 1/26 and on Saturday, 1/28 they play at Minnesota North College-Rainy River.