T-Bird (WBB) Completes the Season Sweep of Howard

Sophomore forward Amyah Sutton went 3-of-4 from beyond the arc to finish with 17 points as she led the T-Birds to an 89-50 win over the Howard College Hawks.

Sutton's 3-point performance moved her into a three-way tie for first place in the NJCAA for 3-point percentage (50%). The Thunderbirds have now won 10 in a row after dropping their only game of the season to South Plains on the road Jan. 6.

The T-Birds led the game 23-7 after one quarter of play. They boosted up their lead to 29 points, 44-15, at the break. NMJC held the Hawks to just five field goals in the first half. The Thunderbirds scored 31 points in the third quarter shooting 72.2% from the field to expand their insurmountable lead. The T-Birds went on to beat Howard by 49 points.  

Sophomore forward Pania Davis finished the evening with 17 points and eight rebounds. Emma Najjuma registered 11 points and six rebounds. Sophomore Nuria Estrade recorded 10 points and four assists.

Jada Graves was 4-of-4 from the field scoring nine points while grabbing four rebounds and dishing out four assists. Kaycee Steinke went 2-for-3 from the 3 point land, scoring nine points. Cacia Antonio added six rebounds in the win. 

The T-Birds shot 33-for-61 (54.1%) from the field, 10-of-21 (47.6%) from the 3-point line, and 13-of-19 (68.4%) from the free throw line. The Thunderbirds forced 18 turnovers and held the Hawks to 25.4% from the field and 26.1% from beyond the arc. 

NMJC maintains first place in the WJCAC standings (10-1) by two games over South Plains.

The No. 1 Thunderbirds move to 25-1 (10-1) and will face Midland College 15-10 (4-6) in Hobbs, NM Thursday, Feb. 20 at 5:45 p.m. MST.