Juzzo’s Career Night Sparks T-Birds to Win

Sophomore forward Bianca Juzzo finished the night with a career-high 21 points, six rebounds, and three blocks in the 58-53 win over Frank Phillips College. 

The Thunderbirds led by three points, 15-12, after one quarter of play. An 11-2 run in the second quarter extended the lead for NMJC to 13 points, 32-19, with two minutes to play in the half. The T-Birds entered the half leading the matchup 35-21. 

The Plainsmen came out hot in the second half with an 11-0 run to start the third quarter, slashing the lead down to three points, 35-32, with a little over six minutes to go in the quarter. The T-Birds punched back as they closed on a 10-4 run to head into the fourth quarter with a nine-point lead 45-36.

The Plainsmen were within five points with 34 seconds to go in the game, but were unable to threaten any closer, losing to the Thunderbirds 58-53. 

Guard Madina Camara finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Sophomore Duda Raimundo recorded eight points, three rebounds, and three assists. 

Guard Delma Zita added six assists and four points. Forward Mariama Sow finished with double-digit rebounds in back-to-back games with 11 rebounds. Forward Sandra Magolico capped off the evening with eight rebounds and five points.

The T-Birds shot 22-of-59 (37.3%) from the field, 4-for-18 (22.2%) from the three-point line, and 10-of-18 (55.6%) from the charity stripe.

NMJC improves to 21-5 overall and 10-3 in conference. The T-Birds are currently one game back of South Plains in the WJCAC. NMJC will need a win and a South Plains loss to be declared Co-Champions of the WJCAC.  

The T-Birds will finish the season at home on Thursday, March 2 against Clarendon College. 

The Thunderbirds will be celebrating Homecoming and Sophomore Night on Thursday with the Sophomore Night festivities starting 15 minutes prior to the 5:45 p.m. MDT tip.