BASKETBALL SQUADS FINISH THIRD IN CHAMPIONSHIP RUN

The cross-state trip to Memphis for the TCCAA/NJCAA Region 7 basketball tournament did not end the way either Raider team had hoped, but fans agree it was certainly fun to watch.

"What a great finish to the season for both our teams after overcoming injuries and roster changes," Athletics Director David Lane said. "They represented us well and we're excited for what the future holds as many of these stellar student-athletes will be returning to Roane State for another season."

Both the Lady Raiders and Raiders basketball teams finished the tournament in third place.

In the semi-final matchup against #1 seed Walters State, the Lady Raiders put up 46 points to the Lady Senators' 63. Roane State's Anaston Holt led the way with 20 for the team. Walters State bottled up the explosive offense of Jenna Bush and Layla Boudin, holding the duo to just 21 combined points.

Meanwhile, the men's basketball team put on an overtime thriller, taking #1 seed Columbia State to the buzzer but coming up three points short of a trip to the finals.

Down 21 to start the second half, Roane State ripped off 49 points to Columbia State's 28, tying the game at 63 at the end of regulation.

Two-time TCCAA Player of The Week Walter Campbell led in points for the Raiders, putting up 28 in 44 minutes of play, with 12 rebounds and two assists.

The Raiders never led in overtime, tying it up at 70 with less than a minute to play. Three free throws by Columbia State made the difference as time expired.

Both teams returned safely to Harriman this week with plenty to be proud of.

"As any former Raider knows, there's something special about playing for Roane State regardless of the outcome of the game," Lane added. "This basketball season may be over, but it is one we will never forget. And for those sophomores who will be moving on after graduation this May, we certainly have much more to see from them both on and off the court."