JOLIET, Ill. — Milwaukee Area Technical College turned a tight game into a decisive road victory Monday after pouring in 27 fourth-quarter points to overcome a third-quarter deficit and topple Joliet Junior College 72-62.
MATC led 33-30 at halftime, but Joliet rallied in the third, outscoring the Stormers 18-12 to take a 48-45 lead into the fourth. The Stormers flipped the script behind freshman guard
Laila Hamiel's steady finish. Hamiel scored nine fourth-quarter points — seven from the foul line (7-for-8) — to lift MATC from a three-point hole to a 12-point win and improve the team's record to 2-2.
"We really controlled most of the game from the start," MATC head coach
Arom Murrell said. "JJC got a few and‑one's and hit a few timely 3-pointers to keep it close, but we were confident in pulling it out. We overcame some foul trouble, but overall it was a complete game from start to finish."
Defensively, MATC limited Joliet to 24 percent shooting (8-of-33) and forced nine turnovers. The Stormers dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Wolves 57-14, including a 21-4 advantage on offensive rebounds.
Offensively, MATC shot 41 percent (28-of-69), collected 57 rebounds (21 offensive), had three assists and two blocks while committing 21 turnovers.
Hamiel finished with a game-high 18 points, including nine in the fourth, to lead the Stormers. She made five field goals, including a 3-pointer, went 7-for-8 from the free-throw line and added eight rebounds and two assists.
Freshman Zihre Sellers had 15 points and 16 rebounds, including six offensive boards.
Sa'Nyai Mitchell contributed eight points and three rebounds and was 2-for-2 from the foul line.
Sophomore
Moriah Landry scored seven points and hauled in 11 rebounds. Freshmen
Maniyah Woolridge and
Amarie Williams each chipped in six points.
UP NEXT
MATC (2-2) hosts Elgin at 6 p.m. Thursday in its home opener.