Anoka-Ramsey, Mn-   In first round action of the Minnesota College Athletic Conference (MCAC) men's basketball tournament, the best of the North and South Divisions saw both some underdog performances and games in which the seeds held true to form. 

RCTC set the stage for an interesting first day, not only pulling the upset over the #1 seed in the North, Northland CTC, 85-70, but cruising to the win in convincing style. The Yellowjackets led by as many as 23 points in the 2nd half, and Northland found it tough going at both ends of the floor. One of the best teams in the region over the course of the regular season, Northland went cold from 3-point land, shooting 23.5% from behind the arc, and only 1-9 in the second half.  The Pioneers will look to regain their form in a 10am match-up with Riverland on Saturday.

The 2pm contest also saw a lower seed punch above their weight, with third-seeded Vermilion defeating #2 Riverland, 82-72.  VCC coach Paul McDonald, who earned his 500th career victory in a 81-70 victory over Central Lakes earlier this season, will look to leverage his experience in the post-season as his squad heads into tomorrow's 2pm game against Rochester.  RCTC coach Brian LaPlante earned his 400th win in December, and the match-up should prove to be a well-coached X's and O's affair. 

The third match-up of the afternoon featured host and the nation's #1 team Anoka-Ramsey taking on the #4 seed Rainy River.   While the halftime score of 64-36 made it seem like a yawner, Rainy River battled back in the second half but were unable to make up lost ground, falling 106-89.  Anoka advances to the 4pm contest on Saturday, where they will meet Central Lakes, who out-lasted St. Cloud in a 2OT contest.  Rainy River will face St. Cloud in a noon consolation game Saturday. 

The nightcap of the the day's first round, Central Lakes vs. St. Cloud Tech, proved to be the most tighly contested of the opening games.  With the score tied at 73 apiece and under 30 seconds to play, the two squads traded time-outs, but no baskets.  A long range St. Cloud three-pointer just off the mark in the last few ticks of the clock sent the contest to OT.  In overtime, the two teams slugged it out, with neither finding a way to win. The second OT period saw CLC prevail, 99-97.   Central Lakes advances to the 4pm game Saturday, while St. Cloud Tech will take on Rainy River at Noon.

Saturday, March 4th at Anoka Ramsey CC, Coon Rapids, Mn

10am:  Northland vs. Riverland

Noon: Rainy River vs. St. Cloud Tech

2pm: RCTC vs Vermilion

4pm: Anoka Ramsey vs. Central Lakes

Story courtesy of MCAC Sports