T-Birds defeat Pima in Tucson, AZ

News-Sun Staff Report

     The New Mexico Junior College men's basketball team traveled to Tucson, Arizona Thursday and opened the Native American Classic with a win over Pima Community College.  NMJC beat Pima 99-86.

     "I am proud of the way the T-Birds competed tonight after the long road trip,"  NMJC coach Brian Lohrey said.  "I thought this was one of our better performances of the year.  And it was good to see Shawn Olden back playing again."

     NMJC led by just three points, 39-36. at the break. but outscored Pima 60-50 in the second half to secure the win.

     "Makol Mawien and Nnamdi Okoro dominated the paint." Lohrey said.  "Josiah Riley played his best game as a Thunderbird tonight, going 3-of-4 from the three point line and knocking down a couple of free throws."

     With the win, NMJC improves to 6-1 on the season while Pima falls to 4-1.  The Thunderbirds will be back on the court this afternoon when they play Glendale Community College today at 2PM.