Niagara Gazette — Niagara Falls native Jordan Street powered the Niagara County Community College men's basketball team to an impressive win Tuesday over visiting rival Erie Community College.

Joining the starting lineup for just the second time in eight games, the 6-foot-6 center had 23 points and 16 rebounds in the 91-88 victory over an ECC team that had won 15 in a row and was ranked No. 9 nationally.

"Jordan Street was a man-child out there," coach Bill Beilein said. "He was huge for us. He got us second chance opportunities. He got his hands ready on the block and he went up quick. He attacked the game with focus and did a great job of executing and playing to his potential."

Behind Street's effort, the Thunderwolves (16-6, 7-1 WNYAC) out-rebounded the Kats (17-4, 8-1) 54-36 and scored 23 points off of 20 offensive rebounds.

E.J. Sandoval also had a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Jon Marsh scored 20 points and dished out five assists. Isaiah Johnson had 14 points, nine rebounds and five steals. NCCC scored 21 points off 20 ECC turnovers.

The Thunderwolves built and early double-digit lead and stayed in front by eight to 14 points for most of the contest, until ECC hit a flurry of 3s in the final minute.

NCCC is now 2-1 on the season against its ranked rival, winning 92-86 in overtime at the Flickinger Center in a non-conference game in November, and losing 95-72 on the road last month, but winning the second half.

"It's a fun game against them," Beilein said. "It makes for a nice atmosphere."

NCCC now turns around and plays Thursday at 13th-ranked Monroe CC, which is coming off a home loss to ECC over the weekend.

"They are going to be angry," Beilein said.

•••

The NCCC women bounced back from a 20-point loss at ECC last month, taking the unbeaten WNYAC leaders to overtime before losing 59-56.

Kristine Ripson (Lew-Port) played all 45 minutes, notching 31 points, 14 rebounds and six steals. She also scored the tying basket as the Thunderwolves (10-11, 2-5 WNYAC) overcame a six-point deficit in the final three minutes after surrendering an 11-point lead earlier.

Nthanda Longwe added 10 points and 15 rebounds and Jessica Curry (Wilson) had eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks.

"This shows we can play with anybody," coach Nate Beutel said. "If we play like this, we can beat anybody in the conference."