By Rocky Hulne

Five Blue Devils scored in double figures as the Riverland men’s basketball team cruised past Gustavus JV 83-74 on the road Monday.

RCC (3-3 overall) led by 21 points with 4:30 left in the game before it’s reserves came in.

The Blue Devils took the lead thanks to some strong defensive pressure.

“We put some pressure on them and we caused a few turnovers that lead to open looks,” RCC head coach Dan Swift said. “It was a good team win, and everyone stepped up.”

RCC led 43-33 at the half.

Women edge out win

The Riverland women’s basketball team survived a late run by Gustavus JV in a 66-65 road win Monday.

The Blue Devils (3-3 overall) led 66-60 late in the game, but had to hold on to get the victory.

“We’re struggling with keeping leads, so we’re glad to get the win,” RCC head coach Suzy Hebrink said. “But we’ve got to learn to even out our peaks and valleys.”

Brooke Rosenstiel, a sophomore from Mankato West, had 23 points, 10 rebounds and four steals to lead RCC.

“Brooke did a nice job and she kept us in the game tonight,” Hebrink said.