Roche's big second half not enough for Harper

The tough times continued in conference play for the Harper College men's basketball team Thursday night as Wright College (3-20, 1-9) defeated the Hawks 67-57 at the Sports and Wellness Center.

"We have had on and off spurts," in the last few games, said Rams coach George Keehn.

Wright's only conference win had been a forfeit over Rock Valley; the Golden Eagles had used an ineligible player.

After missing several games due to a sprained ankle, Sherman Hayes made his return to the Rams lineup. Fellow freshman James Spencer was happy to have him back, as the duo scored a combined 27 points.

"Those are two guys we look to help us out for next year," Keehn said.

The Hawks held Hayes to 5 points when the two teams played on the Northwest side Jan. 16.

Harper freshman Avery Roche had a monster second half, coming up with 14 of his 19 points to go with numerous rebounds and steals. He finished with 19 points.

"I was fighing hard," Roche said of his second-half effort. "We (the guards) were feeding the post like we always do."

Roche also praised the work of fellow forward Isiah Holcombe (Hoffman Estates).

After taking a 33-27 lead into the break, Wright scored 4 of the first 6 points of the second half. The Hawks (10-17, 3-9) went on a 7-0 run, cutting the Rams' lead to 47-45 with 8:18 left, but an 8-4 Rams spurt got them more comfortably ahead.