da SIlva leads Thunderbirds past conference rival Midland

Hobbs, NEW MEXICO

In a battle of NJCAA top ten ranked women's basketball teams, round one went to the No. 9 ranked Thunderbirds at home, on Monday night, as they beat conference rival and the No. 10 ranked Chaparrals from Midland 65-56.

Sophomore point guard, Alana da Silva turned in dominating offensive performance as she scored a game high 19 points while dishing out eight assists. Joining da Silva in double figures was Daiane Machado with 13 points to go along with a team high seven rebounds and Dezirae Hampton who poured in 12 points and six rebounds.

The Thunderbirds held the Chaps to 30% shooting from the field, which was 12.5% lower than their season average. They collected eight steals and forced 17 Midland turnovers while outrebounding them by three, 36-33.

On Thursday, the Thunderbirds will play host to Frank Phillips College.  The Plainsmen, winners of two straight, defeated Western Texas 70-67 earlier tonight.  NMJC will put it's undefeated conference mark on the line at 5:45 P.M. at Caster Activity Center.