NMJC (WBB) Wins 3rd Game in 3 Days

The No. 3 New Mexico Junior College women's basketball team knocked off McCook CC Indians 64-38 on Friday, Nov. 22.

The T-Birds struggled in the first quarter similarly to the previous game against Snow. NMJC trailed after the first quarter by six points, 15-9.

The T-Birds woke up in the second quarter going on a 26-3 run to grab a 35-18 lead with 1:44 to go in the half. NMJC ended the first half up 38-21.    

The T-Birds slowed it down in the second half on the offensive side but still outpaced the Indians 26-17 in the final two quarters. Most of the starters sat out in the fourth quarter leading to valuable bench minutes for players who ordinarily do not see action. 

Cacia Antonio finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Pania Davis registered 11 points and eight rebounds. Emma Najjuma tied a career high in rebounds with 11.

Forward Bright Eze shined off the bench tallying seven rebounds with six of the seven boards being offensive in just five minutes of play.

The Thunderbirds won the bench battle by way of 27-5 and scored 13 more points off turnovers than McCook.

The T-Birds shot 22-for-63 (34.9%) from the field, 5-for-22 (22.7%) from the 3-point line, and 15-of-26 (57.7%) from the charity stripe. The Thunderbirds forced 19 turnovers and held the Indians to 31.1% from the field and 26.3% from the three-point land.

The No. 3 Thunderbirds improve to 9-0 and will play Otero CC Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. MST.