GCC falls in back-and-forth district final, 81-75

IRONWOOD — No matter how good the season, the ending still stings.

The Gogebic Community College Samsons came up six points short of the national tournament, losing 81-75 to Central Community College of Columbus, Neb., on Sunday.

The Samsons completed a special season at 23-5, winning two thrilling Region 13 games in front of huge crowds in Ironwood while capturing its first Region title since 2011. The biggest crowd of all arrived Sunday to see a back-and-forth nailbiting NJCAA Division II District 7 championship game won by Central (18-13).

“I’m disappointed we lost,” said GCC sop...