ESTHERVILLE, Iowa — Expectations are always high for the Milwaukee Area Technical College men's basketball program, and the Stormers wasted little time showing why they entered the season ranked No. 5 in the NJCAA Division II preseason poll. Despite returning just five players from last year's squad and welcoming nine newcomers, MATC opened the 2026-27 campaign with a perfect 2-0 showing at the Lakers Classic, defeating Southwestern Community College (Iowa) 86-79 in overtime Friday before knocking off host Iowa Lakes Community College 75-68 on Saturday.

The unbeaten start provided an encouraging early statement for 19th-year head coach Randy Casey and a retooled roster looking to contend on the national stage once again.

"It is never easy to win on the road and so getting two wins on the road this weekend is a good start to the season," Casey said. "We know that we have a lot of areas where we need to improve, and we will work hard in practice to continue to improve our overall game."

No. 5 Stormers 86, Southwestern Community College (Iowa) 79, OT

MATC overcame an 11-point halftime deficit and closed strong in overtime to earn an 86-79 victory. The Stormers trailed 39-28 at the break before responding with an explosive second half, outscoring Southwestern 49-38 over the final 20 minutes of regulation to erase the deficit and force overtime. MATC then delivered the decisive blow in the extra session, holding Southwestern to just two points while scoring nine to secure the comeback victory.

MATC overcame a shooting deficit by controlling the glass and living at the free-throw line. The Stormers dominated the rebounding battle, 55-28, including 21 offensive rebounds that helped lead to 15 second-chance points. MATC also earned 39 free-throw attempts and converted 32 at an 82.1 percent clip. The Stormers added six 3-pointers and matched Southwestern with 34 points in the paint, using their rebounding advantage and success at the charity stripe to complete the come-from-behind victory.

Sophomore forward Turon Rivers turned in a dominant performance, recording the Stormers' first double-double of the season with a game-high 22 points and 11 rebounds. Rivers shot 6-for-13 from the field and converted 10 of 12 free throws while helping MATC control the interior throughout the overtime win.

Sophomore guard Julian Valentine added 12 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal, while sophomore forward Jason Lawani scored 14 points and shot 7-for-8 from the free-throw line to go along with four rebounds. Sophomore Alex Loomis also reached double figures with 12 points, while sophomore Sterling Hoarde contributed eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists as the Stormers placed four players in double figures.

No. 5 Stormers 75, Iowa Lakes Community College 68

MATC established control early and never relinquished it in a 75-68 victory over Iowa Lakes. The Stormers carried a 41-33 lead into halftime and withstood several second-half pushes from the Lakers. Although Iowa Lakes narrowly outscored MATC 35-34 after the break, the Stormers' first-half cushion proved enough to secure the victory and complete a perfect weekend.

Despite shooting just 35.1 percent from the field and 16.7 percent from 3-point range, MATC found ways to win through effort and execution. The Stormers grabbed 24 offensive rebounds that produced 20 second-chance points and converted 22 Iowa Lakes turnovers into 26 points. MATC also scored 30 points in the paint and earned 30 free-throw attempts, overcoming its shooting struggles with physical play and defensive pressure.

Rivers once again paced the Stormers, finishing with a team-high 17 points on 5-for-11 shooting while knocking down 7 of 10 free throws. The sophomore forward also added eight rebounds and an assist to help MATC complete the weekend sweep.
Valentine delivered another strong all-around effort with 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three steals while converting all four of his free-throw attempts. Hoarde and freshman Isaiah Woodland added nine points apiece, with Hoarde also collecting eight rebounds. Lawani contributed eight points and a game-high 12 rebounds, including six offensive boards, while Loomis added eight points. Freshman Emmanuel Kenyi chipped in five points and three steals as MATC showcased its depth in the weekend finale.

UP NEXT

MATC (2-0) returns to action Nov. 7-8 at the Border Battle at Justagame Fieldhouse in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. The Stormers open tournament play against Gogebic Community College on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 3 p.m. before facing Anoka-Ramsey Community College on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 1:30 p.m.