AUSTIN — Rochester Community and Technical College pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat Riverland Community College 74-52 on Wednesday in a battle of nationally ranked junior college women's basketball teams.
RCTC, ranked No. 1 in the nation among NJCAA Division III teams, is now 19-0 while No. 11 Riverland falls to 15-5.
Olivia Christianson of Lyle scored 27 points for RCTC and she had five rebounds and four steals. She was 8-for-9 at the line. Myia Ruzek had 24 points, five rebounds, three rebounds and three steals.
In a very rare occurrence this season, RCTC trailed 16-15 after the first quarter. The Yellowjackets battled back to take a 54-43 after three quarters and then the visitors put the game away with a 20-9 run in the fourth quarter.
Ravyn Miles chipped in with nine points and five assists for RCTC, which forced 25 turnovers while committing just 13 turnovers.
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Savannah Longhoma and Nora Mecoleta both scored 13 points for Riverland.
The Yellowjackets are now 10-0 in the South Division of the MCAC and Riverland falls to 6-4 in division play.
RCTC plays at at Minnesota State Community and Technical College at 1 p.m. Saturday.
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