The STCC Rams secured their first victory of the season with a gritty 74-61 win over league-rival Roxbury Community College. The Rams came out aggressive, building an early lead with strong play on both ends. However, Roxbury capitalized on Ram turnovers to stay within striking distance, turning giveaways into fast-break points. At the half, Springfield Tech held a slim 36-31 lead.
In the second half, the Rams seized control early, scoring on three of their first four possessions to push the lead into double digits. They maintained their advantage for the rest of the game, fueled by a stifling half-court defense. The Rams held Roxbury to just 37.25% shooting from the field and an icy 28.57% from three-point range.
Ball movement and rebounding proved to be critical to the win. STCC tallied 18 assists on 26 made field goals, a testament to the unselfish play emphasized by the STCC coaching staff. The Rams also controlled the glass, limiting Roxbury to only four offensive rebounds and locking down the paint.
Freshman guard Colin Rice was instrumental in the defensive effort, finishing with 2 points, a team-high 6 assists, 7 rebounds, and a steal. His presence in the paint disrupted Roxbury’s interior offense, keeping them from finding easy buckets inside.
Jeremy Bowers led the scoring with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, showcasing his versatility. Austin Smith contributed 12 points and 3 assists, bringing composure and leadership to the court. Sophomore Blake Morrow added 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists off the bench, giving the Rams an additional scoring punch.
Freshman standout Amari Cruz continued his consistent play with 11 points, 3 rebounds, and a steal, marking his fourth straight game in double figures. Forward Jake Yvon added 7 points, 8 rebounds, and a block, while Aidan Daly and Branden Torres chipped in 5 and 4 points, respectively.
With their first win in the books, the Rams now head to Rhode Island to face the CCRI Knights. As STCC looks to build on this momentum, their defense, ball movement, and focus on limiting turnovers will remain key to their success.
