NCCC falls to Monroe in regional title game

Niagara County Community College had its season come to an end following an 80-68 loss to top-seeded and host Monroe CC in the Region III Division II championship game Sunday afternoon. It is the second consecutive year the Thunderwolves have succumbed to the Tribunes in the title game. NCCC finishes the season with an overall record of 26-5.

Sophomore point guard Alliyah Gillespie finished with a game-high 22 points on 8 of-14 shooting. She also had a team-best six rebounds and three assists. Classmate Peyton Butts netted 19 points, including four 3-pointers. Both players were named to the All-Tournament team.

Monroe CC, which is ranked No. 6 in the latest NJCAA Div. II poll and moved to 26-3 on the year, used a 20-4 run late in the second quarter to separate from the T-Wolves.

Niagara CCC 59, Erie CC 36

Four players were in double figures as the Thunderwolves advanced to the championship with a semifinal win on Saturday. Freshman center Diamond Fedrick had 11 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore guards Gillespie, Butts and Taliyah Hopkins each netted 10 points.