NMJC (WBB) Ends Non-Conference a Perfect 15-0

The Thunderbirds battled back in the second half to erase an eight-point deficit and defeat Cochise College 64-57 in the final game of 2024.

The T-Birds trailed by 24-16 with 6:12 to go in the first half against the Apaches it was their second-largest deficit of the season (9). NMJC kept chipping away at the lead and was able to cut it to three points at the half, 30-27.

Sophomore guard Nuria Estrade took the lead back with a jumper to put NMJC in front 35-34 with 6:11 to go in the third quarter. 

The fourth quarter featured four ties and two lead changes. Cochise regained the lead on a Kaylynn Asberry layup with just under two minutes to play. The T-Birds closed the game on an 8-0 run which was aided by six free throws and a Pania Davis layup. NMJC held on to win by their slimmest margin of the season, seven points.     

Cacia Antonio recorded a double-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Guard Nuria Estrade ended the afternoon with 14 points.

Pania Davis finished the game with 15 points, seven blocks, and six rebounds. Sophomore Amyah Sutton finished with 11 points. 

The T-Birds shot 25-for-60 (41.7%) from the field, 3-for-17 (17.6%) from the 3-point line, and 11-of-17 (64.7%) from the charity stripe. The Thunderbirds forced just 16 turnovers and held the Apaches to 35.9% from the field and 17.6% from three-point land. 

The No. 3 Thunderbirds end the 2024 campaign at 15-0 and will face South Plains College in the new year. NMJC opens up conference play on the road in Levelland, Texas on Monday, Jan. 6 at 5:45 p.m. CST.