Rochester, MN - The RCTC Yellowjackets and MN State Spartans had to wait nearly a week to play their regularly scheduled game tonight.  The wait was worthwhile for the Jackets as the 71-59 win secured the fourth and final playoff spot in the NJCAA Regional Tournament this weekend.

The Jackets got of to a good start in the first half leading by 13 at one point, before settling for a 30-26 lead at the break.  The second halg was all RCTC as they scored 41 points and lead by as many as 20 (62-42), before settling for the 12 point win.

RCTC freshman Kong Kong picked a great night to have one of his best all-around games of the year as he pured in a team high 16 points including 4 for 4 from beyond the arc.  Kong also added 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 blocked shots to his box score.  Joining Kong in double figures were Naa'il Mahdi (13), Ben Opsahl (13), and Karmogo Lero (12).  Mahdi lead the Jackets with 8 rebounds and 5 assists.  Freshman Tanner Jonas scored 9 points, 6 in a 30 second span that saw the Jackets extend their lead to 18 late in the second half.

RCTC hit on 40% from the field while the Spartans shot 34%.  MN State had 38 3-point attempts compared to only 20 of the 2-point variety, hitting on 9 of those 38 attempts.  RCTC was much more efficient from beyond the arc hitting on 8 of their 15 attempts.

With the win, RCTC heads to Anoka-Ramsey as the #4 seed out of the south.  The Jackets will take on North #1 seed Central Lakes on Friday March 1st.  The Jackets and Raiders have not met this year...