NCCC wins 2nd annual Thunderwolves Classic

Niagara County Community College won a pair of games this past weekend to take the 2nd annual Thunderwolves Classic. The Thunderwolves, who received votes in the NJCAA Div. II preseason poll, are now 8-0 on the season. Next up is a 1 p.m. tip Saturday at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville.

Niagara CCC 74, Villa Maria 64

The Thunderwolves overcame a 12-point third-quarter deficit to win the championship. Sophomore point guard and tournament MVP Alliyah Gillespie had 17 points, 11 rebounds and four assists in the win. Classmate Taliyah Hopkins, an All-Tournament selection, had 14 points, 12 boards and five assists. Freshman center Alexis Brown added a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds. NCCC out-rebounded the visiting Vikings, 70-48.

Niagara CCC 88, Jackson (Mich.) 67

Freshman guard Neraelyn Trueheart netted 20 points in just 12 minutes off the bench to lead the Thunderwolves, who led by as many as 36 in the fourth quarter. Gillespie scored 18 points and Hopkins finished with 14 points, five rebounds and four assists. NCCC turned 24 Jackson turnovers into 35 points.