Thunderbird (MBB) Staves off Trinidad State in Final Minute

The T-Bird men's basketball team outlasted the Trinidad State Trojans 90-87 Saturday, Nov. 2 in the final game of the Otero Classic. 

The Thunderbirds led by five points at half 42-37. NMJC was in front by seven points, 84-77 with 1:30 to go in the game.

The Trojans cut the lead to one possession and had a chance to tie the game at the horn with a half court heave, but the shot fell wayward off the backboard to keep NMJC's record perfect to start the year.

Wing Jayden Spearman finished with a career-high 18 points and six boards. Forward Francois Nkoy-Eale posted a career-high 14 points and five rebounds in his second game of action at NMJC.

Freshman guard Rodrigo Farias finished with five rebounds and four assists. Sophomore returner Deuce Benjamin tallied 10 points in the three-point win over the Trojans.

Sophomore guard Jannoy Thomas recorded back-to-back games in double figures scoring 15 points while dishing out seven assists. Redshirt freshman guard Michael Mackey went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc finishing with a career-high nine points.

The T-Birds shot 32-of-64 (50%) from the field, 10-for-26 (38.5%) from the 3-point line, and 16-of-28 (57.1%) from the free throw line. The Thunderbirds forced 18 turnovers, while the Trojans shot an impressive 53.1% from the field.

NMJC moves to 2-0 overall on the season and will face Redlands Community College in Hobbs, NM Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. MDT.