News Photo by Leslianne Johns Derian Williams attempts to make a two-point shot on Saturday in a game against the Muskegon Jayhawks. Alpena lost 75-72.

ALPENA — The Muskegon Community College Jayhawks men’s basketball team secured a 75-72 victory over the Alpena Community College Lumberjacks in a fast-paced, back-and-forth contest on Saturday.

Both teams remained within striking distance of each other from the opening tip to the final buzzer, with the lead constantly shifting.

The Lumberjacks entered halftime with a narrow 38-36 advantage, but the Jayhawks maintained pressure in the second half to edge out the win.

Ball movement played a crucial role in the game. The Lumberjacks relied on precise passing to break through the Jayhawks’ defense and create scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, the Jayhawks disrupted their opponent’s rhythm with frequent interceptions, cutting off passing lanes and forcing turnovers.

The Lumberjacks controlled the boards, preventing the Jayhawks from securing offensive rebounds and limiting second-chance points. Derian Williams played a key role in breaking through defensive screens and finding ways to score despite the Jayhawks’ defensive pressure. Williams also added a critical three-pointer, keeping Alpena within range as the game neared its conclusion.

Discipline defined the first half, with neither team committing a foul. However, the second half saw a shift in physicality, leading to more fouls as both teams intensified their efforts. By the final buzzer, the Lumberjacks had accumulated six fouls, while the Jayhawks finished with five.

In the closing minutes, the score remained close, with both teams battling for the lead. Despite the Lumberjacks’ efforts to reclaim control, the Jayhawks held on to their advantage, securing the three-point victory.