PORT HURON, Mich. – Wake Tech soared early in the opening half of the NJCAA Division II Tournament, but in the end it was the Thunderbirds from Mesa (Ariz.) Community College that prevailed in the opening game of the championship tournament Tuesday morning.  

The Eagles led the T-birds 33-25 at the half, but only managed to connect on seven field goals in the second half.  Mesa outscored the Eagles 16-7 in the third quarter, with Wake Tech still only trailing 41-40 headed into the final quarter.  Unfortunately, that is as close as the game would get as the T-birds pulled away late in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Wake Tech's Anna Vann paced all scorers with 21 points. Taylor Buchanan netted 15 points. The duo also had seven rebounds each.

Mesa had three players in double figures. Mykah Anderson and Jayla Johnson each scored 12 points.  Christabel Longe added 11 points.  Love Troupe had 12 rebounds for the T-birds.

The NJCAA Tournament isn't over for Wake Tech.  The Eagles are still alive in the consolation bracket.  Wake Tech will face #14 Oakland (Mich.) at 3pm on Wednesday at the St. Clair County Community College Fieldhouse.  Oakland was defeated by third seeded Community College of Baltimore County – Essex.    

PHOTO COURTESY: Mesa Community College Sports Information