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Lady T-Bird shock Lady Texans
Posted: Feb 15, 2019

Lady T-Bird shock Lady Texans

 

JASON FARMER NEWS-SUN
February 15, 2019

 

 

 

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New Mexico Junior College's Thamires Andrade (10) attempts a shot, but it is blocked by South Plain's Ruth Korang (31) during the first half of an NJCAA basketball game Thursday night in Caster Activity Center. NMJC won 68-65.

 

 

 

South Plains College came into Caster Activity Center as the No. 1 team in the nation and undefeated in Western Junior College Athletic Conference play. But, the New Mexico Junior College women's basketball team, ranked No. 15, didn't let any of that bother team as the Lady T-Birds knocked off the Lady Texans 68-65.

 

"They are feeling great," NMJC head coach Drew Sanders said of his team after the win. "Of course I will bring them back down (today) because it is just one more game, but for us, it is a confidence builder and that is the big thing."

 

Earlier this year, the Lady T-Birds lost to the Lady Texans in Level-land, Texas.

 

In that first meeting, NMJC had its only lead in the opening minutes and while the Lady T-Birds were able to tie the game several times in the first half, South Plains dominated most of the game. Thursday night however, the Lady T-Birds held leads of at least five points in all four quarters.

 

"It was a big game," Sanders said. "To try and get the kids confidence back that they can beat a quality team and to win at home. It wasn't no fluke. South Plains, they weren't flat and they played. The only thing that was negative for them was that their point guard was hurt and she didn't get to play. But, (Sarah Shematsi) is a player."

 

During the fourth quarter, NMJC built its lead up to a game-high nine points. And while they Lady T-Birds never lost the lead, it wasn't safe either as South Plains battled back, trimming NMJC's lead to just two points.

 

The Lady T-Birds never trailed in the first quarter and led by as many as seven points before South Plains rallied to tie the game at 19-all at the end of the first quarter. The Lady T-Birds built their lead back up to six points in the second quarter, but once again the Lady Texas rallied and this time NMJC couldn't hold the lead. South Plains outscored NMJC 17-16 in the second quarter, taking its only lead of the game to end the first half. The Lady T-Birds went into the break trailing 36-35.

New Mexico Junior College came out aggressive in the third quarter and after falling behind by three in the opening minutes, the Lady T-Birds retook the lead and never gave it up.