Shanika Hines Scores 41 in MCC Win

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Shanika Hines (Manchester) scored 41 points as Manchester Community College beat Springfield Tech 91-76 Thursday night in Springfield, MA.

Hines, who also had 10 assists and seven rebounds, was 16 for 24 from the floor and hit five three-pointers as MCC (14-2) won its sixth straight. The Cougars are unbeaten at home, but face their toughest challenge of 2009 on Saturday when Region 21 East Division leading Roxbury CC (17-3) visits for a 1pm game at East Catholic.

The Cougars took control of a close game with four minutes remaining in the first half.

“We played badly early,” Head Coach Robert Turner said. “We weren’t very aggressive and had a lot of air balls. Then Shanika went wild.” Hines scored 21 points in the first half and 20 in the second, establishing a personal and team high for points this season.

“It was a close game,” Hines said. “They were hitting a lot of threes and had the lead, but we caused a few turnovers and the defense pulled it out for us.”

Erika Murphy turned in another huge game on both sides of the court, scoring 24 points and pulling down 17 rebounds. “Erika played big tonight,” Turner said. When doesn’t she? The freshman from Torrington has scored at 24 points four times this season and turned in her fourth straight game with at least 24 points.

Freshman Amanda Colon (New Britain) contributed with 17 points.