NCCC wins back-to-back regional titles

Top-seeded Niagara County Community College won its second Region III Division II Championship in as many years as it knocked off No. 2 Monroe Community College, 89-81, in Sunday's title game played in front of a raucous crowd on the Sanborn campus.

NCCC, ranked No. 17 in the latest NJCAA Div. II poll, improved to 25-6 overall. MCC, meanwhile, fell to 10-15.

N-Trip freshman Lamar Lovelace netted a game-high 26 points on his way to Tournament MVP honors. Classmate Justin Hendrick had 13 points and seven rebounds as he earned an All-Tournament nod.

Also for the T-Wolves, freshman All-Tournament selection Taylor Sanders contributed 12 points, five boards and two blocks and fellow frosh All-Tournament choice Jamond Jones netted 11 points off the bench.

The Thunderwolves were 28-of-24 from the charity stripe in the win.

Dyree Rogers had 19 points to lead the Tribunes.

The T-Wolves advance to the East A/B District semifinals, which are set for 1 p.m. Saturday vs. Delaware Technical Community College at NCCC.