RCTC Men's Basketball Secures Back‑to‑Back Wins to Open 2026
The Rochester Community and Technical College men's basketball team opened the new year in strong fashion, earning two hard‑fought victories on January 2 and January 3 to improve to 8-7 on the season. Behind balanced scoring, physical rebounding, and key second‑half adjustments in both contests, the Yellowjackets demonstrated resilience and depth across the roster.
RCTC 76, Minnesota Prep 67 — January 2, 2026
RCTC kicked off the weekend with a gritty 76–67 win over Minnesota Prep, overcoming a nine‑point halftime deficit to surge ahead with a dominant defensive effort in the second half. Minnesota Prep entered the break leading 49–40 after a hot perimeter shooting display, highlighted by 23 points from Hunter and 20 from Nash. However, the Yellowjackets clamped down over the final 20 minutes, holding Minnesota Prep to just 18 second‑half points.
Offensively, RCTC leaned on a balanced attack, with Brandon Wilson providing a team‑high 22 points off the bench, including an 8‑for‑10 performance from the free‑throw line. Tycen Vig delivered a perfect 5‑for‑5 shooting night, finishing with 13 points and six rebounds, while Charlie Morning added 12 points, three made threes, and strong playmaking with four assists. Carson Brown contributed 10 points and six boards, and the Yellowjackets' frontcourt made its presence felt as RCTC outrebounded Minnesota Prep 48–35.
The key to the comeback was defensive discipline and interior toughness. RCTC forced 16 turnovers and held Minnesota Prep to 12‑for‑40 from three after their early shooting flurry. With 20 team assists and a 36‑point second half, the Yellowjackets finished the game on a decisive run to secure the nine‑point victory.
RCTC 75, Dakota County Technical College 65 — January 3, 2026
Less than 24 hours later, RCTC carried its momentum on the road, earning a 75–65 victory at Dakota County Technical College. This time the Yellowjackets needed a second‑half offensive surge, overturning a 32–28 halftime deficit behind improved ball movement and efficient execution.
John Johnson delivered his best performance of the season, leading RCTC with 14 points, eight rebounds, and an impressive seven steals to spark the defense. Charlie Morning added 13 points, including three makes from beyond the arc. Brandon Wilson again provided a lift with 13 points off the bench, while Tycen Vig (10 points) and Sam Hemery (8 points, five assists) continued their consistent contributions.
The Yellowjackets controlled the glass once again, outrebounding DCTC 44–39, including 19 offensive boards that produced critical second‑chance scoring. The defensive intensity proved decisive, forcing 23 DCTC turnovers while limiting them to 4‑for‑24 from beyond the arc.
RCTC exploded for 47 second‑half points, using a combination of transition scoring, interior touches, and timely perimeter shooting to gain separation. Strong late‑game free‑throw shooting helped seal the double‑digit win and complete the back‑to‑back sweep.
The Yellowjackets will be back on their home court this Wednesday, January 7th as they kick-off their conference schedule versus Riverland Community College. Tip-off is set for 6:30pm.
