Free Throws Cost RCTC in 84-74 Loss at MSCTC-Fergus Falls

MSCTC-Fergus Falls turned late physicality into points, knocking off Riverland Community College 84-74 in Fergus Falls as the Spartans made 18 free throws to RCTC’s 8. The Yellowjackets led after a strong first half but could not stop a second-half surge that produced the 10-point final margin.

RCTC coach Brian LaPlante pointed to the decisive stretch, saying, "Fergus dominated the second half." He added, "Eight offensive rebounds and free throws in the second half added to our issues," highlighting where the Yellowjackets lost control despite a higher overall shooting percentage.

Stat lines underline the paradox: RCTC shot 28-for-53 from the floor (52.8%) and knocked down 10-of-20 from long range, while MSCTC-Fergus Falls was 28-for-55 overall (50.9%) and 10-for-25 on 3-pointers (40%). The free-throw disparity, MSCTC 18-for-29 to RCTC 8-for-10, and second-half offensive glass tilted the scoreboard in Fergus Falls.

Carson Brown led Riverland with 17 points, six rebounds and two steals, with Brandon Wilson and Sam Hemerly adding 12 points apiece. Those totals represent the Yellowjackets’ top scoring contributions in the game; the primary recap did not list individual MSCTC-Fergus Falls leaders, leaving team shooting and free-throw totals as the Spartan performance markers for the night.

The loss dropped Riverland to 2-9 in MCAC play and 11-16 overall, a standing that puts pressure on the Yellowjackets as the regular season winds down. Riverland is scheduled to host Anoka Ramsey Community College at 2 p.m. Saturday in what the recap described as RCTC’s final home game of the season, a matchup that will be pivotal for trying to climb back in the conference standings.

Fergus Falls’ ability to draw fouls and convert at the stripe, combined with repeated second-chance opportunities, offered a clear roadmap for RCTC’s adjustments: secure the defensive glass and limit fouls that send opponents to the line. With LaPlante’s squad balanced offensively but vulnerable on rebounds and free throws, Saturday’s home finale against Anoka Ramsey takes on outsized importance for the Yellowjackets’ closing-week hopes.