T-Birds Rock Ranger

New Mexico Junior College women's basketball used a 22-0 run between the second and third quarter to help knock off Ranger College 63-43.

The T-Birds struggled early in the first half scoring a season low nine points, but they still led 9-7 after one quarter of play. NMJC would be held scoreless the first four minutes of the second quarter before going on a 16-0 run in the final six minutes to take the lead into half 25-14.

The run continued into the second half culminating with 22 unanswered points between the second and third quarters. A free throw with 7:31 left in the quarter finally quelled the onslaught by NMJC. The T-Birds defense held the Rangers without a field goal for over nine minutes of play until Ranger forward Keaundra Kelly's layup ended the drought with 6:45 left in the third.

Ranger was unable to recover in the fourth quarter and NMJC would go on to win by 20 points 63-43.

Forward Danna Grenald was back in the lineup for the Thunderbirds after sitting out three games with injury. The sophomore was held scoreless in the first half but finished the game with eight points and six rebounds in 19 minutes of action.   

Guard Delma Zita starred on both sides of the ball for the T-Birds finishing with 14 points, six rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Sophomore Madina Camara matched Zita offensively finishing with 14 points. 

Forward Bianca Juzzo finished with her first double-double of the season scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Forward Sandra Magolico scored eight points and added six rebounds.

The Thunderbirds were 27-of-64 (42.2%) from the field and 5-for-15 (33.3%) from beyond the arc. The T-Birds forced 20 turnovers and out-rebounded the Rangers 41-27 in the matchup.

The Thunderbirds move to 10-2 on the year. NMJC will play Ranger College Monday, Jan. 2 at 4 p.m. CDT in Ranger, Texas.