Raiders’ Last-Minute Effort Falls Short Against St. Cloud Cyclones
On November 14, 2025, the Central Lakes College Raiders nearly pulled off a wild comeback in a tense women’s college basketball game against the St. Cloud Technical Cyclones. The Raiders lost by just one point, 56-55, after a frantic fourth-quarter rally that had the gym buzzing.
Lex Vesel gave it her all, dropping 16 points and grabbing seven boards. Alyssa Wright chipped in with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and a couple of steals. The Raiders’ defense showed up big time, holding St. Cloud to only 20 points in the second half.
But, wow, the shooting woes were painful. The Raiders made just 3 of their 34 three-point tries. That cold streak from deep really stung in the end.
Now, the Raiders sit at 0-3 as they get ready to host Minnesota State Community and Technical College. It’s not the start anyone wanted, but there’s still a long season ahead.
The Game Recap: Raiders vs. Cyclones
Table of Contents
This one was a nail-biter from start to finish. The Raiders and Cyclones traded blows all night, with fans barely able to sit still.
The Raiders especially turned up the heat in the second half, making things interesting and keeping everyone guessing.
Key Performances
A few players really stood out:
- Lex Vesel: 16 points, 7 rebounds
- Alyssa Wright: 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals
- Constance Bowstring: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- Bobble Rowland and AJ Giffen: 6 points each
- Tylica Graves-Desjarlait: 3 assists in her first game of the season
The Raiders clamped down defensively, holding St. Cloud to just 9 points in the third quarter. That stretch kept the game within reach.
Shooting Struggles
The defense kept them in it, but the Raiders couldn’t get much going from three. Only three shots fell out of 34 attempts behind the arc.
That cold shooting night really hurt their chances to pull ahead late.
Second Half Rally
Still, the Raiders didn’t back down. They put up 27 points in the second half, nearly tying things up in the final minutes.
Lex Vesel and Alyssa Wright led the charge, making big plays when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead
After this tough loss, the Raiders are 0-3. They started the season with two losses on the road in Iowa, and now they’re hoping to turn things around at home.
Next up is Minnesota State Community and Technical College on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Maybe this is where the tide starts to turn?
Community Support
One thing’s for sure—the Raiders have their community behind them. Local fans bring energy and encouragement, filling the gym and lifting the team’s spirits.
It’s clear the players care about more than just basketball. Their connection to the community shows in how hard they play and how they carry themselves off the court.
Upcoming Challenges
The road ahead isn’t going to be easy. The Raiders have to figure out their shooting, especially from deep, if they want to notch some wins.
Keeping up that tough defense will help, but they’ll need to sharpen their offensive game too. It’s a work in progress—maybe a bit frustrating, but that’s how it goes sometimes.
Conclusion
The Central Lakes College Raiders dropped a close one to the St. Cloud Technical Cyclones. This loss says a lot about both the hurdles and the promise this team carries.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Lex Vesel and Alyssa Wright really stood out. With players like them, the Raiders definitely have what it takes to play at a high level.
But let’s be honest—if they want more wins, they’ve got to sharpen up their shooting. That part’s non-negotiable.
Now, with the next game against Minnesota State Community and Technical College on the horizon, the Raiders have a shot to fix what isn’t working. They’ll be trying to lean into their strengths and patch up the rough spots.
The community’s support? It’s huge. That energy from fans and friends could make all the difference as the season rolls on.
If you’re looking for more details or just want to keep up with the latest, check out the Brainerd Dispatch.