A Tough One at Home: Yellowjackets Battle but Fall 67–63

Rochester, Minn. — On a cold January afternoon inside the Sports Center, the Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets walked off the floor knowing they had played one of their most competitive games of the season—yet also knowing it slipped away in the final minutes. Despite leading at halftime and getting big performances from multiple players, RCTC couldn't fend off a late surge by Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State), falling 67–63 in a gritty MCAC clash.

RCTC came out sharp determined to control the tempo from the opening tip. Sophomore guard Sam Hemery set the tone early, knocking down mid‑range jumpers and a pair of threes on his way to a team‑high 18 points. His ability to create space kept M State off balance, and every time the Spartans tried to make a run, Hemery had an answer.

Running beside him in the backcourt, Carson Brown delivered one of his most complete all‑around performances of the season—12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Whether slicing into the paint or jumping passing lanes, Brown played with the kind of intensity that gave RCTC its early confidence. When he drilled a strong drive through contact midway through the half, the Yellowjackets pushed the lead to six, their largest of the frame.

The second half, however, brought a different tone.

M State's Hamilton—who ended the afternoon with an impressive 26 points and 13 rebounds—began taking over. Whether spinning into mid‑range jumpers or crashing the offensive glass, he became the anchor of a Spartan offense that suddenly caught fire.  Still, the Yellowjackets fought back. Brandon Wilson, despite a tough shooting day from the field, was fearless attacking the rim, earning 10 trips to the free‑throw line and converting nine of them. His steady scoring at the stripe kept RCTC within striking distance even as M State found rhythm.

Freshman forward Julian Carter added a spark off the bench, contributing 8 points and 5 rebounds, including a key put‑back that cut the deficit to three with under five minutes left.  But in the final minute, the Yellowjackets couldn't quite close the gap. A couple late attempts rimmed out, and M State hit enough free throws to seal the win.

RCTC finished with 63 points on 37.9% shooting,  coming up just short.

RCTC next travels to Anoka-Ramsey on Wednesday for a 7:00pm start.